Casualties unknown

Precautionary Landing on Upsloping Terrain Results in Gear Collapse and Wing Damage (N2897X)

Funter Pass, AK, US

On April 29, 1985, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2897X) was involved in an aviation accident near Funter Pass, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N2897X
Aircraft registered N2897X. Photo: Snapper1 at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot conducting a VFR flight obtained a company weather briefing forecasting VFR conditions. En route, the pilot encountered snow showers near Funter Pass and made a precautionary landing on upsloping terrain. Touchdown resulted in the left main gear collapsing and left wing damage.

Flight and Weather Briefing

Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing through the company weather reporting system. Visual flight rules (VFR) weather had been forecast for the route.

Encounter with Snow Showers

While en route, the pilot encountered snow showers in the area of Funter Pass. He reported becoming trapped by two snow showers, with visibility dropping to approximately one-quarter mile.

Precautionary Landing

In response to the reduced visibility, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on upsloping terrain.

Touchdown and Damage

During touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained damage.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Apr 1985 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Funter Pass, AK?

A pilot conducting a VFR flight obtained a company weather briefing forecasting VFR conditions. En route, the pilot encountered snow showers near Funter Pass and made a precautionary landing on upsloping terrain. Touchdown resulted in the left main gear collapsing and left wing damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Apr 1985 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2897X, at Funter Pass, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.