Piper PA22 N7208D accident near Tyonek, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land at an unimproved airstrip with limited go-around capabilities, his improper landing flare and aborted landing, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear vegetation during an attempted go-around.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during landing on a remote unimproved airstrip, the airplane bounced, and the pilot performed a go around. During the climb, the airplane impacted tall vegetation at the end of the airstrip. The left wing and horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage.

The pilot stated that the airstrip was sloped upward in the direction of landing, and the temperature was very warm, which limited the airplane's performance. He stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had considered the go-around limitations before attempting to land.

The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA066 for the full record.