Casualties unknown

Pilot Injured After Air-Taxi Strikes Rising Terrain in Alaska (N123TA)

Cold Bay, AK, US

On January 30, 1988, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N123TA) operated by Peninsula Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Cold Bay, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A solo cargo air-taxi flight struck rising terrain about 40 nautical miles northeast of the departure airport, substantially damaging the aircraft. The pilot suffered minor injuries and was unconscious before being rescued 24 hours later.

Accident Overview

On the day of the accident, an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificated pilot-in-command departed on a solo cargo-only air-taxi flight at 1104 Alaska Standard Time (A.K.S.T.). The destination was 83 nautical miles to the northeast. The aircraft struck rising terrain approximately 40 nautical miles northeast of the departure airport, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no recollection of the flight prior to the accident and suffered minor injuries, having been knocked unconscious during the impact.

Pilot Background

The pilot was normally assigned to copilot duties on a multi-engine airplane and was not familiar with the terrain over which the flight was conducted. No additional pilot background details were provided.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions at the crash site were unknown. However, a pilot flying in the same general area shortly after the accident reported localized areas of fog and snow that reduced visibility to less than one-half mile.

Rescue

The pilot was recovered by Coast Guard search and rescue personnel approximately 24 hours after the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24834. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.