# NTSB ANC87LA131: Piper PA-12, N4302M, Kuskalana Pass, AK, August 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1987, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Kuskalana Pass, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA131
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA131

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON THE TUNDRA HE APPLIED WHEEL BRAKES TOO HARD CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO NOSE OVER ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4302M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4302M), registered now, S/N 12-3234, 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 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 123234
- Airframe hours: 3187
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael L. Hale
- Registered owner: Michael L. Hale
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 6, 1987, 23 hours before
- Departed: GKN, GULKANA, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,500 total, 155 in this make and model, 1,250 as pilot in command, 379 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19870831048959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870831048959A), Aug 31, 1987: Piper STCPA12, Kuskalana Pass, AK, Substantial damage. The aircraft nosed over on landing. The pilot applied excessive braking.

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.