Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Practice Results in Off-Airport Impact (N4418Z)

Girdwood, AK, US

On June 10, 1986, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4418Z) operated by Aces UP Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Girdwood, 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 forced landing exercise, a student pilot on left base to runway 19 noticed an increased descent rate at 200 feet. Full power was applied but the airplane continued descending, striking a steep embankment 212 feet short of the landing threshold. The student reported approaching at 65 mph with no flaps extended.

Incident Overview

During a training flight, the instructor pilot gave the student pilot a simulated forced landing while the airplane was on left base to runway 19. The student continued the approach and at approximately 200 feet noticed the rate of descent was increasing. The student applied full power, but the airplane continued to descend and subsequently impacted a steep embankment, coming to rest 212 feet short of the marked landing threshold.

Student Pilot Account

The student pilot stated that he was approaching the runway at 65 miles per hour and had no flaps extended at the time of the incident. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or other operational parameters were provided in the source.

Result

The airplane struck terrain short of the intended landing area. The source does not specify any injuries, damage to the aircraft, or the outcome of the occupants.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33715. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.