Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, the left main tire dug into snow, and the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the airplane sank in the softer snow off the left side of the airstrip and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
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 GAA18CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 18, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yentna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Yentna Bend Strip (0AK2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N4805Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.