Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude during the low pass. A factor was the rough/uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he was making a low pass over the area to evaluate it for a possible future landing area with hunting clients. During the low pass the right wheel touched down in a hole, causing the airplane to bounce. About 25 feet later it touched down in another hole, then nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On September 11, 1993, at 1700 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N82081, operated by 40 Mile Air, Ltd of Tok, Alaska, collided with the terrain and nosed over while maneuvering at the Mosquito River, located approximately 45 miles northwest of Tok. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The local business flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Tok at 1630. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot stated that he was "dragging the strip" in an attempt to evaluate the suitability of the area for a future landing area with hunting clients. During the low pass the right wheel touched down in a hole, causing the airplane to bounce. About 25 feet later it touched down in another hole, then nosed over. The right wing strut and the rudder were substantially damaged. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Mr. Lavell Wilson, Director of Operations for 40 Mile Air, stated that the results were negative from the pilot's post-accident toxicological tests. -