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August 28, 2021 · Piper PA-12 · N2579M

Nikolai, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Nikolai, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-12 (1946)
Tail Number
N2579M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA077

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing at a short, unimproved, off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator. After touchdown, he immediately retracted the flaps when a strong gusting crosswind lifted the left wing, and the right main tire simultaneously impacted a large rock. The airplane bounced into the air, and he applied throttle to arrest the airplanes descent and touched down again. Realizing he was beyond the halfway point of the landing surface; he applied full throttle and initiated a go-around. The airplane failed to gain altitude, stalled, impacted the ground and nosed-over sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer and rudder. A postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the airspeed indicator instrument; however, a blockage was present in the pitot/static system. The pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had returned to his departure airstrip when he noticed the malfunctioning airspeed indicator rather than continuing and attempting to land at the short, unimproved, off-airport landing site.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing at a short, unimproved, off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator. After touchdown, he immediately retracted the flaps when a strong gusting crosswind lifted the left wing, and the right main tire simultaneously impacted a large rock. The airplane bounced into the air, and he applied throttle to arrest the airplanes descent and touched down again. Realizing he was beyond the halfway point of the landing surface; he applied full throttle and initiated a go-around. The airplane failed to gain altitude, stalled, impacted the ground and nosed-over sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer and rudder. A postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the airspeed indicator instrument; however, a blockage was present in the pitot/static system. The pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had returned to his departure airstrip when he noticed the malfunctioning airspeed indicator rather than continuing and attempting to land at the short, unimproved, off-airport landing site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportPVT (0nm)
RunwayPVT
Runway Length450 ft
Runway Width15 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN2579M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 F / 30 F
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time19:01

Appendix: Source Data