Casualties unknown

Aircraft Wreckage Found in Atigun Pass After Pilot's Second Attempt (N7479D)

Coldfoot, AK, US

On August 6, 1987, a Piper PA-18A (registration N7479D) operated by Jess M. Wassom was involved in an aviation accident near Coldfoot, 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 attempted to fly through Atigun Pass twice despite fog and cloud cover. The aircraft was overweight, had a rear CG exceedance, and the pilot lacked required corrective lenses. He also had undisclosed medical conditions.

Background

Earlier in the day, the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to fly through Atigun Pass. The pass was closed due to fog and cloud cover.

Second Attempt

Despite the closure, the pilot attempted to fly through the pass a second time.

Wreckage Location

The aircraft wreckage was located in Atigun Pass.

Weight and Balance

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was over gross weight and exceeded the rear center of gravity limit.

Pilot Medical Issues

The pilot was not wearing required corrective lenses at the time of the accident. Medical personnel had advised the pilot that he had arterial disease and that open heart surgery was recommended. However, the pilot did not provide this information to the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) when obtaining his medical certificate.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31678. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.