On October 2, 1988, a Cessna 180 (registration N420SB) operated by Graham, Bobby was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night landing approach to a lake, the pilot initiated a 180-degree turn at 500 feet AGL. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly, and despite power application, struck trees at the lake's edge, coming to rest there.
Incident Details
According to the pilot, the aircraft was on an arrival to land on a lake at night. The pilot began a 180-degree turn from a northeast heading at approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to establish a final approach on a southwest heading. As the turn progressed, the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly. The pilot applied power in an attempt to stop the descent, but the aircraft struck trees at the edge of the lake. The pilot reported that the aircraft's forward motion was nearly stopped by the trees by the time it dropped and came to rest at the edge of the lake.
What happened in the 2 Oct 1988 Cessna 180 accident near Wasilla, AK?
During a night landing approach to a lake, the pilot initiated a 180-degree turn at 500 feet AGL. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly, and despite power application, struck trees at the lake's edge, coming to rest there.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Oct 1988 involved a Cessna 180, registration N420SB, operated by Graham, Bobby, at Wasilla, AK.
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