Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in an on-ground collision with a tree stump.
NTSB analysis
The solo private pilot reported that he was landing at an off-airport site when the tailwheel assembly contacted a tree trunk, resulting in structural damage to the empennage. He indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08CA125 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 15AC
- N-number
- N1170H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.