Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC92LA132

ILIAMNA, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N3906Z

PIPER PA-18

Analysis

AFTER ABORTING THE SECOND OR THIRD ATTEMPTED LANDING ON A MOUNTAIN RIDGE HUNTING STRIP, THE PILOT TURNED DOWNWIND. SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER ROLLING OUT OF THE TURN ON DOWNWIND, AND WHILE AT ABOUT 10 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE AIRPLANE'S TAIL WENT UP AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED TO THE GROUND. IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT THE AIRPLANE BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. THREE GROUND WITNESSES ESTIMATED THAT THE GUSTY WIND WAS BLOWING AT 30 TO 50 KNOTS.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND STALLED THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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