Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that while maneuvering the airplane to make a low pass of a remote gravel bar, he inadvertently lost altitude and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, wings and lift struts. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had maintained awareness of wind conditions and how it affects aircraft performance.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA077 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 9, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arctic Village, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B
- N-number
- N286AM
- 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.