1994-08-20: Piper PA-18 — Deda, Charles V. — Koliganek, AK

Casualties unknown • Koliganek, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND FAILURE TO ATTAIN A TOUCHDOWN POINT IN THE LANDING AREA. AN OBSTACLE (TREE) IN THE LANDING AREA WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT AND A PASSENGER WERE COMPLETING A PERSONAL CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF HUNTING AND THE PILOT PLANNED A LANDING IN A REMOTE AREA OF TUNDRA IN AN AIRPLANE EQUIPPED WITH LARGE TUNDRA TIRES. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE LANDING AREA TO BE ABOUT 600 FEET LONG. THE PILOT LANDED IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE AREA; HOWEVER, THEN DECIDED TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND. THE PILOT ADDED FULL POWER; HOWEVER, THE LEFT WING AND LEFT LANDING GEAR STRUCK ABOUT A 20 FOOT HIGH TREE. AFTER IMPACT, THE PILOT LANDED AND DISCOVERED THAT THE INTENDED LANDING AREA WAS 400 FEET LONG.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-08-20 Piper PA-18 accident near Koliganek, AK?

THE PILOT AND A PASSENGER WERE COMPLETING A PERSONAL CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF HUNTING AND THE PILOT PLANNED A LANDING IN A REMOTE AREA OF TUNDRA IN AN AIRPLANE EQUIPPED WITH LARGE TUNDRA TIRES. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE LANDING AREA TO BE ABOUT 600 FEET LONG. THE PILOT LANDED IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-08-20 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N94FB, operated by Deda, Charles V., at Koliganek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND FAILURE TO ATTAIN A TOUCHDOWN POINT IN THE LANDING AREA. AN OBSTACLE (TREE) IN THE LANDING AREA WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01912. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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