N696AK is a 1996 Michael G Darby DARD 1. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 1 seat, powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1H6 rated at 180 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Anchorage, AK. Its experimental airworthiness certificate was issued in Jul 2023. It has been registered to its current owner since Feb 2025. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 30 years old
2025
2023
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N696AK's record changes.
The pilot reported that during approach to the snow-covered runway in flat light conditions, the runway end lights were off making it difficult to see the runway. He lined up on what he perceived to be the runway centerline and noted ski tracks to the right of his position. After a normal touchdown, he increased power for a touch-and-go; however, he noticed the skis bogged down into the soft snow. There was a sudden deceleration, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder. After landing he realized he had misidentified the runway and landed in softer snow, in an area between the runway and taxiway. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
No photos yet. Sign in to add the first one.