Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC13CA031

Chickaloon, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N86LN

NELSON LARRY L WAG AERO 2+2

Analysis

The pilot was landing his wheel/ski-equipped homebuilt airplane on a remote, frozen, snow-covered lake that was surrounded by trees. After touchdown, the pilot noticed that the airplane was at a high groundspeed and that there was very little drag on the skis. With only 600 feet remaining to the tree line, he added power to abort the landing. He reported that, after he aborted the landing, the airplane could not maintain climb speed or clear the trees at the end of the landing site. In an attempt to cushion the impact, he applied full flaps. The airplane impacted trees, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot was attempting to land his wheel/ski-equipped homebuilt airplane on a remote frozen snow-covered lake that was surrounded by trees. After touchdown, the pilot noticed a high ground speed and very little drag on the skis, and with only 600 feet remaining to the tree line, he added power to abort the landing. After aborting the attempted landing, he said the airplane could not out climb the tree-covered terrain at the end of the site. In an attempt to cushion the impact, he applied full flaps and the airplane impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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