Casualties unknown

Pilot Ejects from Aircraft Before It Falls Off Cliff After Failed Snow Landing (N6884B)

Hayes, SD, US

On November 27, 1985, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N6884B) was involved in an aviation accident near Hayes, SD. 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 was unable to stop an aircraft on a snow-covered hill during landing with a tailwind, resulting in the plane going over a cliff. The pilot ejected safely before the crash.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft was attempting an uphill landing on terrain covered with snow. During this maneuver, the aircraft crested the top of the hill and began descending down the opposite slope. Due to the conditions, specifically the presence of a tailwind during the landing phase, the pilot stated that he was unable to bring the aircraft to a stop before it reached the edge of a cliff.

The investigation

The pilot exited the aircraft prior to it going over the cliff. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source text regarding the specific condition of the airframe or systems, other than the operational context of the landing attempt on snow-covered terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38233. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.