1991-09-12: Piper PA-18-150 — Holt, Robert N. — Anaktuvuk Pass, AK

Casualties unknown • Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, US

Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALL/SPUN THE AIRPLANE TO THE GROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY REMOVE THE ICE/FROST FROM THE WINGS BEFORE STARTING THE TAKEOFF.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT AND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT JUST AFTER THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF FROM A REMOTE MOUNTAIN STRIP, THE LEFT WING SUDDENLY DROPPED, AND THE AIRPLANE SPUN TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT THOUGHT THAT HE HAD POSSIBLY NOT REMOVED ALL OF THE FROST FROM THE WINGS AFTER HE REMOVED THE WING COVERS. THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. THE TEMPERATURES HAD BEEN BELOW FREEZING, AND 2-3 INCHES OF DRY SNOW HAD FALLEN.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-09-12 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Anaktuvuk Pass, AK?

THE PILOT AND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT JUST AFTER THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF FROM A REMOTE MOUNTAIN STRIP, THE LEFT WING SUDDENLY DROPPED, AND THE AIRPLANE SPUN TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT THOUGHT THAT HE HAD POSSIBLY NOT REMOVED ALL OF THE FROST FROM THE WINGS AFTER HE REMOVED THE WING COVERS. THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN OUTSIDE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-09-12 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N2515A, operated by Holt, Robert N., at Anaktuvuk Pass, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THAT THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALL/SPUN THE AIRPLANE TO THE GROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY REMOVE THE ICE/FROST FROM THE WINGS BEFORE STARTING THE TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18011. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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