This August 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Aeronca 15AC. Injuries: None. Location: Palmer, Alaska. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The private pilot was on a cross-country flight, which included landing at an off-airport site.The pilot made several low passes over the area prior to landing. He said he had plenty of room for a safe landing, but when it appeared the airplane was going to go off the end of the landing area he applied the brakes and aimed for a brushy area. The brush concealed a creek bank. The airplane hit the bank and nosed over.
The pilot said an examination of the landing area revealed that the surface was wet glacial silt, and much slicker than he had anticipated. He said the airplane received substantial damage to the right wing, lift strut, and strut attachment.
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a runway excursion, collision with terrain, and nose over.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: ANC09CA089
