# NTSB ANC89LA175: Piper PA-12, N3882M, Cottonwood Crk, AK, September 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1989, 14:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Cottonwood Crk, AK
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5270
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5270/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA175

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE PILOT'S LOW PASS OVER RISING TERRAIN AND THE AIRCRAFT'S SUBSEQUENT IMPACT WITH ALDER BUSHES (HIGH VEGETATION).

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - door,exterior crew - open
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3882M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3882M), registered now, S/N 12-2778, 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: 12-2778
- Airframe hours: 3110
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Forest C. Nelson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 20, 1988, 41 hours before
- Departed: 9Z9, LAWNING, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 900 total, 700 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °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 19890926036209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890926036209A), Sep 26, 1989: Piper PA12, Cottonwood Cree, AK, Substantial damage. Low and slow to drop a package. Package jammed in door. Lost airspeed, unable to clear terrain landed in trees.

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.