Casualties unknown

Ski Strike During Takeoff Leads to Nose-Over Landing in Beluga, Alaska (N1827A)

Beluga, AK, US

On April 24, 1985, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1827A) was involved in an aviation accident near Beluga, 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

A pilot reported that the right ski struck an object during takeoff, bending the main gear. He landed on snow near Beluga, Alaska, and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot had no FAA medical or certificate and only 150 hours, all in N1827A.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, the right ski struck an object, causing the right main landing gear and ski to be bent downward and aft. He elected to land on snow-covered terrain near the small village of Beluga, Alaska. During the landing roll, before the aircraft came to a stop, it pitched forward onto its nose. The pilot did not identify the object that was struck.

Pilot Information

The pilot stated that he had never taken any dual flight instruction and did not possess an FAA medical certificate or pilot certificate. He estimated his total flight experience at approximately 150 hours, accumulated over a period of several years, all of which were flown in the accident aircraft, identified by registration N1827A. He had no formal flight training.

Aircraft and Occupants

The registered owner and operator of the aircraft was a passenger on board at the time of the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36069. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.