Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions with resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, following a bounced three-point landing at a remote unimproved airstrip, a gust of wind pushed the airplane toward terrain. He elected to conduct a go-around while maneuvering around various obstacles. The airplane subsequently settled to the ground and impacted a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation and that the accident may have been prevented if he had conducted a low approach before attempting to land followed by a wheel landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA051 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GCBC
- N-number
- N3085G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.