Casualties unknown

Bush Strike During Landing on Montague Island (N3842M)

Montague Island, AK, US

On August 25, 1987, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3842M) was involved in an aviation accident near Montague Island, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot misjudged bushes near the approach end of a soft/short field landing strip on Montague Island, causing the aircraft to hit bush tops and sustain damage to lift struts, propeller tips, wing and elevator leading edges.

Summary

A pilot conducting a soft/short field landing approach at a strip parallel to the ocean shoreline on Montague Island struck the tops of bushes just short of the landing area. The pilot reported misjudging the height and position of the bushes near the approach end of the strip.

Details

The aircraft was making an approach for a soft/short field landing at a strip oriented on an east-southeast heading. The pilot stated that he misjudged the height and position of bushes near the approach end of the strip. Subsequently, the aircraft hit the tops of bushes just short of the landing area.

Damage

During the occurrence, the lift struts, tips of the propeller, leading edges of the wings, and elevators were damaged.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported wind from 090 degrees at 5 to 10 knots. The landing strip was oriented on an east-southeast heading.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1987 Piper PA-12 accident near Montague Island, AK?

A pilot misjudged bushes near the approach end of a soft/short field landing strip on Montague Island, causing the aircraft to hit bush tops and sustain damage to lift struts, propeller tips, wing and elevator leading edges.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1987 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N3842M, at Montague Island, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31693. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.