On January 25, 1982, a Cessna 182M (registration N71734) operated by Gerald F. Dahl was involved in an aviation accident near Bethel, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A VFR round robin flight ended in a crash on a frozen lake surrounded by low terrain. No pre-crash failures were found. Witness pilots reported low overcast and reduced visibility.
Accident Overview
A pilot filed a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) round robin flight plan. When the time indicated on the flight plan had elapsed, a search was initiated. The aircraft was later located where it had crashed on a frozen lake surrounded by low terrain.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft disintegrated during impact. All debris was contained within an area starting from the impact point and extending along a straight line. No pre-crash component or system functional failures were evident.
Weather Conditions
One pilot flying in the area of the accident reported sky conditions as low as 500 feet overcast with two miles visibility and light snow showers. Another pilot in the area reported near white-out conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jan 1982 Cessna 182M accident near Bethel, AK?
A VFR round robin flight ended in a crash on a frozen lake surrounded by low terrain. No pre-crash failures were found. Witness pilots reported low overcast and reduced visibility.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jan 1982 involved a Cessna 182M, registration N71734, operated by Gerald F. Dahl, at Bethel, AK.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…