Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Runway End After Go-Around and Sudden Descent (N15175)

Nanwalek, AK, US

On December 10, 1995, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N15175) was involved in an aviation accident near Nanwalek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the variable wind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 pilot performed a go-around due to a wind shift, then on final approach to runway 01, the airplane suddenly descended after clearing nearby trees and a bluff, struck the runway threshold, and slid about 100 feet.

Flight Details

During the approach, the pilot observed the wind favoring runway 19 and initiated a go-around when the wind shifted to favor runway 01. The pilot then entered a left base leg for runway 01.

Obstacle Environment

The approach path to runway 01 is constrained by an abrupt mountain face and trees located approximately 0.21 mile from the approach end of the runway.

Incident Sequence

The pilot reported that after clearing the trees and the bluff, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of altitude, described as falling out of the sky. He responded by applying full power and leveling the nose. The airplane subsequently struck the end of the runway and slid about 100 feet before coming to a stop.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Dec 1995 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Nanwalek, AK?

A pilot performed a go-around due to a wind shift, then on final approach to runway 01, the airplane suddenly descended after clearing nearby trees and a bluff, struck the runway threshold, and slid about 100 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Dec 1995 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N15175, at Nanwalek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the variable wind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04935. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.