Piper PA22 N7056D accident near Arctic Village, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, he was conducting a low-reconnaissance flight over a mountain ridgeline to determine its suitability as an off-airport landing site. The pilot stated that he was not paying attention to the airspeed as he completed the flyover and approached rising terrain. To avoid the rising terrain, he applied full power and turned left, but the right wing stalled while the airplane was about 20 ft above ground level, and then it struck terrain. The airplane cartwheeled, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19CA057 for the full record.