This September 2008 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: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious. Location: Talkeetna, Alaska. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The commercial pilot was conducting a flight in conjunction with his hunting/guiding business. According to the surviving passenger, he and the pilot flew to a remote area to look for caribou. He said they were circling to the left looking for a likely camp site. He said the turn became tighter, and the angle of bank became steeper. The passenger said the angle of bank suddenly became very steep, and he heard the pilot say something like “Oh No!” over the intercom. He said he looked forward, and saw the ground through the front windscreen. The left wing hit the ground first, followed by the nose. A fire erupted, and after putting out the fire and attempting to help the pilot, the passenger headed toward a camp they had seen from the air to get help.
Probable cause: The failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
For more information: NTSB.gov
