# NTSB ANC86LA023: Piper PA-12, N3992M, Soldotna, AK, January 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1986, 15:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Soldotna, AK
- Coordinates: 60.320293, -150.79074 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.3203&lon=-150.7907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (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): 4634
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4634/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA023

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A ROW OF TREES OF THE END OF THE LANDING AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3992M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3992M), registered now, S/N 12-2872, 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: 122872
- Airframe hours: 2655
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles Rodgers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1985, 127 hours before
- Departed: SPORT LAKE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,500 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 5,400 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 16 °F, dew point 10 °F
- Altimeter: 27.00 inHg

## 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 19860125001259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860125001259A), Jan 25, 1986: Piper PA12, Soldotna, AK, Substantial damage. Lost directional control while landing on a frozen lake and collided with a row of trees.

## Other investigations on N3992M (2)

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.

- [NTSB ANC77DAG84](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC77DAG84), Jul 12, 1977: Piper PA-12 (N3992M), Slop Bucket Lk, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC66D0049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC66D0049), Aug 7, 1965: Piper PA-12 (N3992M), Anchorage, AK, substantial damage

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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