Casualties unknown

Aircraft Wreckage Located on Glacier After Overdue Report (N90033)

Petersburg, AK, US

On September 14, 1995, a Cessna 185 (registration N90033) was involved in an aviation accident near Petersburg, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed above the airplane's stall speed. The high terrain and low ceiling (clouds) were related factors. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and passenger flying to a hunting site were reported overdue; the wreckage was found on a glacier at 3,450 feet, with near-vertical terrain impact. No mechanical issues were found.

Accident Overview

The pilot was transporting himself and his hunting partner, along with their gear, to a nearby hunting site. The aircraft was reported overdue, prompting a search. The wreckage was eventually located in a pass, on a glacier, at an elevation of 3,450 feet.

Wreckage and Location

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane had impacted terrain in a near-vertical attitude. The route of flight had been from the southeast to the northwest. The wreckage was aligned along a magnetic heading of 315 degrees.

Weather Conditions

According to Coast Guard Search and Rescue personnel, weather in the area included a ceiling at 4,000 feet with fog moving down from the glacier.

Investigation

Investigators examined the airplane and engine. No mechanical anomalies were found with either the airframe or the powerplant.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 1995 Cessna 185 accident near Petersburg, AK?

A pilot and passenger flying to a hunting site were reported overdue; the wreckage was found on a glacier at 3,450 feet, with near-vertical terrain impact. No mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 1995 involved a Cessna 185, registration N90033, at Petersburg, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed above the airplane's stall speed. The high terrain and low ceiling (clouds) were related factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04397. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.