Casualties unknown

Aborted Landing on Mountain Strip Leads to Crash and Fire (N3906Z)

Iliamna, AK, US

On August 14, 1992, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3906Z) operated by Barry G. Stewart was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND STALLED THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION. 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

After aborting a landing attempt on a mountain ridge hunting strip, the pilot turned downwind. While at about 10 feet above ground, the aircraft nosed over and burst into flames upon impact. Ground witnesses reported gusty winds of 30 to 50 knots.

Accident Overview

A pilot was attempting to land on a mountain ridge hunting strip. After aborting the second or third landing attempt, the pilot turned the aircraft downwind. Several seconds after rolling out of the turn on downwind, and while at an altitude of approximately 10 feet above the ground, the aircraft's tail rose and the nose pitched downward into the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft immediately burst into flames and was destroyed by fire.

Witness Reports

Three ground witnesses estimated that the wind was gusting between 30 and 50 knots at the time of the accident.

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved an aborted landing on a mountain strip, a downwind turn at low altitude, and a subsequent nose-over and fire. No other details were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.