CHEFORNAK, AK, USA
N81844
Piper PA-32-301
The pilot reported he was landing on a gravel airstrip that was rough and uneven due to frost heaves. He said the airplane bounced when it encountered a frost heave, and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot related there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
On March 27, 1999, about 1010 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-32-301 airplane, N81844, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Chefornak Airport, Chefornak, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled commuter flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions by Peninsula Airways as Flight 421. The flight last departed Bethel, Alaska, about 0913, and the destination was Chefornak. According to the pilot's written statement submitted to the NTSB, the airplane bounced when it encountered frost heaves upon touchdown, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The pilot noted there was no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Conversations with the Director of Maintenance for the operator, and an FAA airworthiness inspector who examined the airplane, disclosed the airplane received substantial damage to the firewall bulkhead.
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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