Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged clearance from a bush.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was landing the airplane as close to the east end of the airstrip as possible to avoid the rough west end. During the landing flare, the airplane's left main gear struck a bush near the airstrip's threshold. The airplane veered to the left and then collapsed the right gear. The airplane stopped on the airstrip after turning back to the right.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 16, 1994, at 0930 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-20 airplane, N6066D, registered to and operated by the pilot, struck a bush upon landing on the High Lake Lodge airstrip, located 40 miles northeast of Talkeetna, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Merrill Field, Anchorage, Alaska, and the destination was the accident site. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane received substantial damage and the Private Certificated Pilot and his two passengers were not injured. According to the pilot, he was landing east to west and struck a small bush on the east end of the airstrip. The airplane veered and the right main landing gear departed the airplane. The pilot stated he was landing as close to the east end of the airstrip to avoid the rough west end. -