Piper PA-12 N3846M accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around with a tailwind.

NTSB analysis

While attempting to land on a short turf-covered airstrip, the pilot reported attempting a go-around. He applied full throttle and began a climbing left turn, but the airplane was unable to gain enough altitude to clear the trees off the departure end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees and came to rest nose down, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, and fuselage. The pilot reported that, during the final approach, the winds were variable between a left crosswind and a tailwind.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA051 for the full record.