# NTSB ANC85LA008: Piper PA-12, N78449, Theodore River, AK, October 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 19, 1984, 14:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Theodore River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4438
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4438/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA008

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED DURING A GO-AROUND ATTEMPT AT THEODORE RIVER LOCATED 35 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ANCHORAGE, AK. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER LANDING ON A GRAVEL OIL PAD HE REALIZED THAT THE ACFT WOULD NOT STOP BEFORE GOING OVER THE EDGE INTO A SWAMP. HE APPLIED POWER BUT THE MAIN GEAR STRUCK A STUMP AND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO THE MUD. THE PLT STATED THAT HE KNEW THE ACFT BRAKES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE ACFT DUE TO THEIR WORN CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - inadequate
  - landing gear,normal brake system - worn (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78449](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78449), registered now, S/N 12-1959, built 1947 (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 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-1959
- Airframe hours: 2400
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gregory R. Svendsen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TRADING BAY, AK
- Destination: THEODORE RIVER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 989 total, 650 in this make and model, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19841019057529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841019057529A), Oct 19, 1984: Piper STCPA12, Theodore River, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot aborted landing when he realized he could not stop due to worn brakes. Aircraft hit stump off end of runway.

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

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