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2 fatalities

Wreckage of Missing Aircraft Found After Two Years in Alaskan Mountains (N92512)

Cathedral Rapid, AK, US

On August 12, 1990, a Piper PA-12 (registration N92512) operated by Richard A. Seltenreich was involved in an aviation accident near Cathedral Rapid, AK. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE ABOVE THE TERRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND A STALL/SPIN WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The wreckage of a missing aircraft was discovered on August 21, 1992, at the 4,700-foot level of a mountain, 200 feet below a pass. The student pilot and passenger had been searching for sheep hunting areas. Impact damage indicated a stall/spin accident.

Discovery

The wreckage of an aircraft that had been missing for two years was discovered on August 21, 1992, at the 4,700-foot level of a mountain, approximately 200 feet below a mountain pass. The debris field was located 23 nautical miles east of Mount Kimball, which has an elevation of 10,350 feet above sea level.

Circumstances

The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot accompanied by a passenger. The two individuals had been looking for sheep hunting areas in the region. The time of the accident is presumed, but the exact time remains unspecified.

Location

The crash site is situated in mountainous terrain where some peaks rise to heights above 8,000 feet above sea level. The aircraft came to rest at an elevation of 4,700 feet, well below the surrounding high peaks.

Impact Evidence

Examination of the wreckage indicated that the impact damage was consistent with a stall/spin accident. This suggests the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin before colliding with terrain.

Weather

Local pilots reported very high winds in the area on the day the accident occurred. The specific wind speeds or conditions were not detailed in the report.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 1990 Piper PA-12 accident near Cathedral Rapid, AK?

The wreckage of a missing aircraft was discovered on August 21, 1992, at the 4,700-foot level of a mountain, 200 feet below a pass. The student pilot and passenger had been searching for sheep hunting areas. Impact damage indicated a stall/spin accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Aug 1990 Piper PA-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 1990 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N92512, operated by Richard A. Seltenreich, at Cathedral Rapid, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE ABOVE THE TERRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND A STALL/SPIN WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID TERRAIN. THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, HIGH WINDS, AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WERE FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23880. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.