On September 5, 1987, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4191Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, AK. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and hunting guide was killed when his airplane crashed in a remote mountain pass in central Alaska. Another guide saw the burning wreck but could not land due to strong winds and turbulence. Evidence shows a wingtip struck ground first.
Accident Details
A local hunting guide crashed his airplane in a remote mountain pass in central Alaska. The private pilot-in-command was killed and the airplane was destroyed. Another guide who overflew the crash site shortly after the accident saw the airplane burning but was unable to land due to strong winds, severe turbulence, and strong downdrafts.
Pilot History
Earlier conversations between the pilot and a state trooper revealed that the former liked to fly low to the ground during hunting season in order to keep from disturbing sheep on the mountain sides.
Physical Evidence
Physical evidence at the accident site indicated that a wingtip initially struck the ground, followed by the aircraft cartwheeling.
What happened in the 5 Sept 1987 Piper PA-18 accident near Mcgrath, AK?
A private pilot and hunting guide was killed when his airplane crashed in a remote mountain pass in central Alaska. Another guide saw the burning wreck but could not land due to strong winds and turbulence. Evidence shows a wingtip struck ground first.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 1987 Piper PA-18 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 1987 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4191Z, at Mcgrath, AK.
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