Casualties unknown

Landing Accident on Gravel Bar After Collision with Rock (N62RT)

Stony River, AK, US

On September 14, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N62RT) operated by Rexford L. Turner was involved in an aviation accident near Stony River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT HIS LANDING AREA WAS PROPERLY CLEAR PRIOR TO LANDING. 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 reported that his airplane struck a large rock while landing on a gravel bar, causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to contact the ground. Rain on the windshield was cited as a factor, and the pilot alleged sabotage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing on a gravel bar, the airplane struck a large rock. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, and the left wing subsequently struck the ground.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that rain on the windshield obscured his vision, preventing him from seeing the rock in time to avoid it. He further claimed that someone had sabotaged the landing area by placing numerous rocks there with the intent to discourage other hunters from using the location.

Damage

As a result of the collision, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing made contact with the ground. No further details on the extent of damage were provided in the source.

Contributing Factors

According to the pilot, the rain on the windshield was a contributing factor to the accident. Additionally, the alleged placement of rocks by an unidentified individual was mentioned as a possible cause of the obstruction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.