# NTSB ANC88LA142: Piper PA-12, N64CW, Figure 8 Lake, AK, September 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1988, 18:30 local (Sep 17, 1988, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Figure 8 Lake, AK
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 6, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5083
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5083/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA142

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WAS LANDING IN ONE FOOT TALL GRASS NEAR A DUCK HUNTING SHACK AND STRUCK A LOG. HE LANDED THE AIRPLANE AFTER STRIKING THE LOG AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT STATED THAT HE OVERFLEW THE LNDG AREA AND SAW 2 LOGS. HE PLANNED TO LAND BEYOND THE LOGS BUT ACCIDENTLY LNDD BETWEEN TWO AND STRUCK THE LATTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64CW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N64CW), registered now, S/N 12-903, built 1946 (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: 12-903
- Airframe hours: 1054
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Alfred Besch
- Registered owner: Alfed L Besch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 5, 1988, 44 hours before
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: FIGURE 8 LAKE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 900 total, 475 in this make and model, 900 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °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 19880916041349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880916041349A), Sep 16, 1988: Piper PA12, Figure 8 Lake, AK, Substantial damage. Struck a log hidden in tall grass while landing in an unimproved landing area.

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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