Casualties unknown

Aircraft Nosed Over After Landing Gear Strikes Soft Spots During Takeoff Attempt on Sand Bar (N411X)

Tikchik Lodge, AK, US

On September 30, 1984, a Piper PA-18 (registration N411X) was involved in an aviation accident near Tikchik Lodge, 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 takeoff attempt from a narrow sand bar, the aircraft's main landing gear struck soft spots, preventing liftoff. The pilot attempted to stop but the plane rolled into water and nosed over.

What happened

The pilot initiated a takeoff roll from a limited-distance sand bar measuring approximately 500 feet in length. During the acceleration phase, the main landing gear encountered soft spots within the sandy surface. These irregularities prevented the aircraft from achieving the necessary lift to become airborne.

Recognizing that the available runway was insufficient for a safe departure, the pilot closed the throttle in an effort to bring the aircraft to a halt within the remaining distance of the sand bar. The attempt to stop was unsuccessful. The aircraft continued moving forward, leaving the end of the sand bar and rolling into approximately three feet of water. Upon entering the water, the aircraft nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40959. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.