# NTSB ANC89LA086: Piper PA-12, N3148M, Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, June 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1989, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Anaktuvuk Pass, AK
- Location: 68.1474° N, 151.6982° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=68.1474&lon=-151.6982&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5195
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5195/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA086

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR DOWNDRAFTS ENCOUNTERED AFTER DEPARTING A GRAVEL BAR THAT WAS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - wind information - not identified, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3148M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3148M), registered now, S/N 12-1835, 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: 12-1835
- Airframe hours: 3637
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Keith A. Echelmeyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1989, 81 hours before
- Destination: BET, BETTLES, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,028 total, 267 in this make and model, 935 as pilot in command, 81 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °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 19890604014099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890604014099A), Jun 4, 1989: Piper PA12, Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, Substantial damage. Unable to climb after leaving a sandbar due to mountain downdrafts. Tried to go back but crashed in the turn.

## Other investigations on N3148M (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 ANC14CA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA088), Sep 24, 2014: Piper PA 12 (N3148M), Holy Cross, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff/landing and failure to maintain control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB ANC88LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA133), Sep 12, 1988: Piper PA-12 (N3148M), Fairbanks, 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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