Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for shifting wind conditions, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while taking off from a lake in a float-equipped airplane in variable, gusty wind conditions, the wind shifted to a quartering tailwind which forced the airplane back onto the water. The hard landing resulted in substantial damage to the lift struts and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bettles, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bettles (PABT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N808PT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.