Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to terrain following a go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported completing numerous overflights of the intended off-airport landing area. He was executing a touch and go to be sure the terrain was not too rough. He touched down at his intended spot, but the airspeed was higher than anticipated and he applied full throttle to initiate a go-around. The airplane became airborne, but the landing gear did not clear a hill beyond the intended landing area. The airplane nosed over before coming to a rest with damage to the right-wing strut and the rudder. The pilot reported there were no failures or malfunctions related to the airplane before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 29, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willow, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N9724P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.