# NTSB ANC08CA080: Piper PA-12, N2951M, Wasilla, AK, June 30, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 30, 2008, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Wasilla, AK
- Coordinates: 62.333332, -150.199996
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.3333&lon=-150.2000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 28, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 68351
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC08CA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68351/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA080

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified
- [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause)

## Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing to the south on a grass-covered off-airport site. He said that during touchdown the airplane's main wheels contacted an area of tall grass, which "grabbed the wheels", and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported winds to be 150 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident. He noted in his written report to the NTSB that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

## Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing to the south on a grass-covered off-airport site. He said that during touchdown the airplane's main wheels contacted an area of tall grass, which "grabbed the wheels", and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported winds to be 150 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident. He noted in his written report to the NTSB that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-flare/touchdown: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096) (defining event)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2951M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2951M), registered now, S/N 12-1346, built 1945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-1346
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard L. Rios
- Registered owner: Richard L. Rios
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MRL, Anchorage, AK
- Destination: Wasilla, AK
- Airport: runway 36, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 1, 2006; seat: front; flight hours: 2,032 total, 1,950 in this make and model, 1,960 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20080630857719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080630857719A), Jun 30, 2008: Piper PA12, Anchorage, AK, Substantial damage. Occured during "touch and go" practice. Visited the recovered aircraft, reviewed, maintenance records and took pictures. Pilot was interviewed and his logbook…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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