Casualties unknown

Pilot Crashes After Go-Around at Remote Off-Airport Site (N8995D)

Tyonek, AK, US

On August 4, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8995D) was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper approach to landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to land at a remote off-airport site for fishing, made two low passes, then on the third pass initiated a go-around after deciding touchdown would be too far down the site, reduced flaps, the airplane sank, reapplied full flaps, but could not climb away from rising terrain and crashed.

Incident Summary

The pilot reported attempting to land at a remote, off-airport site with the intention of going fishing. The landing site was not a designated airstrip.

Flight Sequence

According to the pilot's report, he performed two low passes over the landing area to assess its suitability. On the third pass, he initiated a landing attempt. During the approach, he determined that the airplane would touch down too far down the landing site. He then decided to abort the landing and execute a go-around.

As part of the go-around procedure, the pilot reduced the flap setting. The airplane began to sink, prompting the pilot to reapply full flaps. Despite this action, the airplane was unable to climb away from the rising terrain. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain and was destroyed.

Investigation Notes

The investigation documented the pilot's account of the events. No additional details regarding the aircraft, pilot qualifications, or environmental conditions were specified in the source. The probable cause was not stated in the investigation report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06396. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.