1994-09-25: Piper PA-18-160 — Napflin, Erich — Galena, AK

Casualties unknown • Galena, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE USE OF BRAKES DURING LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AT THE REMOTE LANDING AREA.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT WAS LANDING ON A GRAVEL BAR IN A RIVER AT HIS HUNTING BASE CAMP. DURING THE APPROACH HE NOTED THAT HE WOULD BE LANDING WITH A LEFT TO RIGHT CROSS WIND. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, HE RAISED THE FLAPS AND APPLIED BRAKES. AS THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE TAIL CAME UP AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. AFTER EXTRICATING HIMSELF FROM THE AIRPLANE AND WALKING BACK TO THE BASE CAMP, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIND WAS VARIABLE AND HAD SHIFTED TO A TAIL WIND. HE ESTIMATED THE WIND SPEED TO BE 15, GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-25 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Galena, AK?

THE PILOT WAS LANDING ON A GRAVEL BAR IN A RIVER AT HIS HUNTING BASE CAMP. DURING THE APPROACH HE NOTED THAT HE WOULD BE LANDING WITH A LEFT TO RIGHT CROSS WIND. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, HE RAISED THE FLAPS AND APPLIED BRAKES. AS THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE TAIL CAME UP AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. AFTER EXTRICATING HIMSELF…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-25 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N7513K, operated by Napflin, Erich, at Galena, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE USE OF BRAKES DURING LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AT THE REMOTE LANDING AREA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02262. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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