# NTSB ANC24LA083: Piper PA22, N4NW, Aleknagik, AK, August 30, 2024 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: August 29, 2024, 19:00 local (Aug 30, 2024, 03:00 UTC) - Place: Aleknagik, AK - Coordinates: 59.583333, -159.16666 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.5833&lon=-159.1667&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 195025 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC24LA083 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/195025/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA083 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: climb rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md?model=7102214), [All aircraft, 265 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-160, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=7102214), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-22-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7102214), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7102214), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, while conducting a low altitude pass over an off-airport site with a 5 to 7 mph tailwind in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, the landing gear contacted a patch of alder brush. The airplane subsequently came to rest in an area of tall brush, both wings, lift struts and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4NW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4NW), registered now, S/N 22-7520, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA22 (160) - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-7520 - Year built: 1960 - Airframe hours: 4913 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 2024 - Departed: 5A8, Aleknagik, AK - Destination: Same as departure - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 28; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 27, 2022; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 305 total, 175 in this make and model, 232 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 5 knots, gusting 10 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 200 ft overcast - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: PADL, 38 nm away - METAR: PADL 291404Z AUTO 00000KT 3/4SM BR OVC002 09/09 A2980 RMK AO2 ## 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 20240829013029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240829013029A), Aug 29, 2024: Piper PA-22-160, Aleknagik, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot stated he and 2 friends were out looking for a moose to hunt. They attempted to land on a knob going uphill, with a 5-7 mph tailwind, made the decision… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.