Aviation Accident Summary ANC89LA064

BELUGA MOUNTAIN, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N4620M

PIPER PA-11

Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER HAD LANDED AT A REMOTE MOUNTAIN, OFF-AIRPORT LANDING SITE TO REPORTEDLY PHOTOGRAPH A BEAR. DURING THE ENSUING TAKE OFF ATTEMPT, THE SKI EQUIPPED PIPER PA-11 AIRPLANE STRUCK A SNOW BERM WITH ITS RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR SKI. THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED, CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRFRAME.

Probable Cause and Findings

PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING AND TAKEOFF. THE UNEVEN TERRAIN (WITH A SNOW BERM) WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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