Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a tidal beach. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear contacted soft sand, which pulled the nose of the airplane to the right. The airplane continued to the right and hit a bluff, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA104 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nikiski, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108-2
- N-number
- N9723K
- 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.