Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB ANC10FA076
PIPER PA-11 — Willow, AK
| Date | August 25, 2010 |
| Location | Willow, AK |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-11 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 28 |
| Pilot total time | 230 hrs · Low time |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
What happened
Witnesses near the accident site saw the accident airplane flying about 100 feet above a river and towards their location on the river bank. As they watched the airplane fly past, there appeared to be nothing wrong with the airplane or its engine. Review of a digital video taken by one of the witnesses showed the airplane flying in a straight and level attitude over the river at a low altitude. Within 2 minutes of the airplane passing the witnesses, they heard an unusual sound, possibly that of the airplane crashing. Associates of the pilot and passenger said that the pilot told them they intended to scout for wildlife during the flight to their intended destination. Numerous moose hoof prints were seen near the accident site. Examination of the wreckage revealed impact damage consistent with a stall and/or spin. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomaly was discovered during the postaccident examination of the airplane and engine.