Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands on Lake to Add Fuel, Encounters Weather and Collides with Terrain (N6954B)

Icy Bay, AK, US

On August 14, 1982, a Piper PA-22 (registration N6954B) operated by Thomas Charles Meismer was involved in an aviation accident near Icy Bay, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a cross-country flight, a pilot landed on a small lake to refuel from carried cans. After departure, he encountered weather and attempted instrument flight. He collided with an 85-degree upslope after entering a stall.

Summary

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when he landed on a small lake to add fuel to the aircraft from fuel cans carried inside. After departing the lake, he encountered weather and attempted to transition to instrument flight. The pilot reported that a hole he was using to climb through closed up. Moments before colliding with an 85-degree upslope, he saw trees, pulled the power off, and nosed up into a stall.

Flight Details

The pilot carried fuel cans onboard and landed on a small lake specifically to refuel the aircraft. After adding the fuel, he departed the lake and continued the flight.

Weather Encounter

Following departure, the pilot encountered weather conditions that prompted an attempt to transition to instrument flight. He stated that a hole he was using to climb through closed up. No further specifics about the weather are provided in the source.

Collision Sequence

The pilot reported that moments before impact, he observed trees on an 85-degree upslope. He then pulled the power off and pitched the nose up, resulting in a stall. The aircraft subsequently collided with the terrain.

Probable Cause

The source does not explicitly state a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.