Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in the collapse of the main landing gear, and a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a beach when the airplane struck a rock, resulting in a nose over and separation of the right main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing during the accident sequence. Prior to landing, the pilot made a low pass over the beach, and thought it looked suitable for landing. However, after touchdown, he realized the rocks on the beach were larger than they appeared from the air. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot said he should have picked a better place to land.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kenai, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7HC
- N-number
- N8976R
- 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.