Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a hole in the tundra, which resulted in impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll at a remote site, he was applying full engine power to taxi uphill. The airplane’s main landing gear wheels went into a low tundra hole and the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcgrath, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SQ12
- N-number
- N217WM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2023
- 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.