Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes in Wooded Area After Low Approaches; Pilot's Blood Alcohol Level Elevated (N625SW)

Gulkana, AK, US

On August 22, 1985, a Piper PA-18 (registration N625SW) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulkana, 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
Aircraft registered N625SW
Aircraft registered N625SW. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft crashed about one mile from a landing strip after the pilot made two low approaches over trees. The aircraft was destroyed by impact. Toxicology tests revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.13%.

Accident Overview

Shortly after departing an airstrip for a hunting trip, the aircraft crashed in a wooded area approximately one mile from the strip. The aircraft was destroyed by impact with trees and the ground. Witnesses reported that the pilot had made two low approaches over the trees prior to the accident.

Aircraft and Engine Condition

Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction. The aircraft had been in normal operating condition before the crash.

Toxicology Report

A mandatory toxicology test conducted after the accident indicated that the pilot had a blood alcohol level of 0.13%.

Conclusion

The investigation determined that the aircraft impacted terrain and trees without any mechanical anomalies. The pilot's blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.13%.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37336. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.