# NTSB ANC88LA005: Piper PA-12, N3651N, Skwentna, AK, October 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 9, 1987, 18:30 local (Oct 10, 1987, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Skwentna, AK
- Coordinates: 61.929557, -151.729064 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.9296&lon=-151.7291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4967
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4967/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA005

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP DURING A SHORT FIELD LANDING. THE PLT STATED THAT THE STUMP WAS HIDDEN BY TALL GRASS. NO OFFICIAL INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED ABT THE JOHNSON AIRSTRIP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3651N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3651N), registered now, S/N 12-1902 (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: 12-1902
- Airframe hours: 3564
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Michael Jensen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1986, 238 hours before
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: SKWENTNA, AK
- Airport: Johnson Creek Ridge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,010 total, 1,400 in this make and model, 1,909 as pilot in command, 178 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19871009059569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871009059569A), Oct 9, 1987: Piper PA12, Skwentna, AK, Substantial damage. Struck a tree stump in tall grass on a unimproved landing strip. Impact severed left main gear.

## Other investigations on N3651N (1)

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 ANC03LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA045), Apr 19, 2003: Piper PA-12 (N3651N), Dillingham, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and an on ground encounter with ocean water. A factor associated with the…

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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