Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane's low airspeed during final approach, and the pilot's delayed remedial action in correcting the low airspeed condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he allowed the airspeed to decay while on short final approach to a gravel bar. He said he applied power, but did so too late, and the airplane touched down hard before the gravel bar. The airplane subsequently nosed over and slid onto the gravel bar.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 8, 1996, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, N9730P, sustained substantial damage while landing at an off airport site approximately 45 miles northwest of Arctic Village, Alaska. The private pilot and sole passenger aboard were not injured. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated at Arctic Village, Alaska, about 1215. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 16, the pilot related that he allowed the airplane's airspeed to become too slow while on short final approach to a gravel bar. He said he added power, but was too late to keep the airplane from sinking and landing hard and short of his intended touchdown point. The airplane traveled a short distance and nosed over. -