Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot initiated a go-around on his first landing attempt due to low level turbulence associated with wind coming over nearby trees. He elected to land beyond the trees on his next attempt, but about 5 feet above the runway, the airplane turned sharply to the right, descended and impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot said there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane, and that he should have selected another airport where the wind was not a factor.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA036 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Palmer Municipal (PAAQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J5A
- N-number
- N2364
- 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.