Casualties unknown

Pilot Stalls During Go-Around After Attempting Rescue Landing on Ruth Glacier (N1738A)

Talkeetna, AK, US

On April 22, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1738A) operated by Niver, Mark A. was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THE INADVERTANT STALL/MUSH OF THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE, SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. 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 private pilot and two passengers escaped with minor injuries after the pilot stalled the airplane about 30 feet above ground while attempting a go-around near Mount McKinley.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was flying with two passengers over the Ruth Glacier near Mount McKinley in an airplane designed for one passenger. During the flight, the pilot observed the word 'HELP' stamped in the snow by a group of mountain climbers, two of whom were injured. The pilot decided to land to offer assistance but encountered reduced visibility due to snow and low clouds.

Attempted Go-Around and Stall

After initiating a go-around, the pilot stalled the airplane approximately 30 feet above ground level (AGL). The airplane subsequently impacted the terrain. The pilot and both passengers sustained minor injuries in the occurrence.

Rescue and Aftermath

Following the accident, the pilot and passengers evacuated the airplane and made their way to a nearby cabin, where they awaited rescue along with the climbers. No further details about the rescue or the condition of the climbers were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28018. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.