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Flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage Crashes Near Talkeetna (N16275)

Talkeetna, AK, US

On October 12, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N16275) operated by Brewer, Matthew J. was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT NIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL, SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND AN INFLIGHT BREAKUP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A flight operating under VFR from Fairbanks to Anchorage crashed into trees 11 miles north of Talkeetna. The left outboard wing and left stabilator were found separated from the main wreckage.

Accident Details

A flight operating under a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan from Fairbanks to Anchorage crashed into trees approximately 11 miles north of Talkeetna, Alaska. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) were reported at both the departure point and the destination; however, areas of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were reported en route.

Wreckage Information

The main wreckage was located in a wooded area. The left outboard 4 feet of the wing and the left stabilator were discovered about 3/8 mile west of the main wreckage site, indicating a structural separation during the accident sequence.

The accident investigation is ongoing. No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or injuries have been released.

Spatial disorientationStructural failure

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Oct 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Talkeetna, AK?

A flight operating under VFR from Fairbanks to Anchorage crashed into trees 11 miles north of Talkeetna. The left outboard wing and left stabilator were found separated from the main wreckage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Oct 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N16275, operated by Brewer, Matthew J., at Talkeetna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT NIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL, SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND AN INFLIGHT BREAKUP. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER AND THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15791. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.