Casualties unknown

Pilot loses control of aircraft during night flight in extreme turbulence (N8510C)

Iowa Ridge, AK, US

On September 7, 1987, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N8510C) operated by Stanley Baranoski was involved in an aviation accident near Iowa Ridge, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt flight in extreme wind and turbulence conditions, which resulted in loss of control. 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 relocate his airplane from a hunting camp after strong winds loosened the tie-down. Shortly after takeoff, he lost control due to extreme turbulence and crashed.

What happened

The incident occurred at night when the pilot was awakened by severe weather conditions at his hunting camp. Strong winds, estimated between 70 and 80 miles per hour, caused the aircraft to come loose from its tie-down points. Rather than remaining on the ground, the pilot elected to fly the airplane to a safer location.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot encountered extreme turbulence levels. He subsequently lost control of the aircraft and crashed. No specific details regarding injuries or damage extent were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt flight in extreme wind and turbulence conditions, which resulted in loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31964. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.