Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land on an unsuitable landing surface which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he intended to perform a landing on an island beach. During the landing, the airplane struck an unseen 12-inch sand berm and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chenga Bay, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-11
- N-number
- N78635
- 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.