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ANC11CA029

2011-05-06 · Cordova, Alaska, United States · Serious · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N1129A

Make / Model
PIPER PA-18-125
Year of manufacture
1951 · 60 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING 0-290 SERIES (140 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19591104
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A03735

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot's loss of aircraft control during final approach in gusty wind conditions, resulting in a hard landing.

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that, on final approach to an off-airport landing site, about 50 feet above ground level, the airplane started sinking violently and impacted terrain. He said there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, but the wind in the area was very erratic. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that on final approach to an off-airport landing site, about 50 feet above ground level, the airplane descended and impacted the terrain. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, but the wind in the area was very erratic. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented if he had made a touch-and-go landing to evaluate the wind conditions prior to landing. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent rate-Not attained/maintained - C
  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-(general)-Effect on equipment

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2011_ANC11CA029.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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