Casualties unknown

Stall During Go-Around Leads to Crash in Wooded Area (N2362A)

Gulkana, AK, US

On July 29, 1990, a Piper PA-18 (registration N2362A) operated by Szaruas, Martin was involved in an aviation accident near Gulkana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with terrain. 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 stalled the aircraft while attempting a go-around and crashed into a wooded area just off the airport. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.

What happened

The accident occurred during a go-around attempt when the pilot lost control of the aircraft. According to the pilot's statement, the airplane entered a stall condition at this critical phase of flight. Following the loss of lift, the aircraft descended and impacted a wooded area located just off the airport boundary.

The investigation

Post-acc examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to its structure. No mechanical anomalies were reported that would have precluded normal operation prior to the stall.

Findings

Weather conditions at the time of the accident included a wind from 170 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots. These wind gusts likely contributed to the difficulty in maintaining airspeed during the go-around maneuver. The pilot was seriously injured in the impact, while one passenger sustained minor injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.