Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Log During Landing on Mud Flat (N4482E)

Trading Bay, AK, US

On September 1, 1989, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4482E) was involved in an aviation accident near Trading Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN (LANDING AREA) BY THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: IMPROPER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OTHER PERSONNEL AND A HIDDEN OBSTRUCTION (LOG) IN TALL VEGETATION (GRASS). 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

While on a duck hunting flight, a pilot encountered an obstructed landing area and opted for an alternate mud flat, where the aircraft struck a log during the landing roll.

Background

The pilot of N4482E, accompanied by a friend, was on a flight to an off-airport location with the purpose of hunting ducks. Upon arrival, the pilot found that another aircraft was parked in the usual landing area, thereby obstructing its use.

Alternate Landing Site

Personnel from a third aircraft, a float plane, recommended an alternative landing site. The pilot elected to use this site, which was a grass-covered mud flat.

Incident

During the landing roll-out, after the aircraft had traveled approximately 35 yards, it struck a log. The impact occurred on the ground, and no further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Conclusion

The source did not state a probable cause for the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29016. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.