Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while conducting a low altitude pass over an off-airport site with a 5 to 7 mph tailwind in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, the landing gear contacted a patch of alder brush. The airplane subsequently came to rest in an area of tall brush, both wings, lift struts and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA083 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 30, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aleknagik, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N4NW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.