Casualties unknown

1997-04-07: Piper PA-31-T3 (N218CS) — Stebbins, AK

Stebbins, AK, US

On April 7, 1997, a Piper PA-31-T3 (registration N218CS) was involved in an aviation accident near Stebbins, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue VFR into IMC. Factors associated with the accident are fog/obscuration, and the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around earlier in the approach. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a landing at a remote village site encountered fog and mist, executed an S-turn for spacing, then lost control after reducing power and adding full power in response to a stall warning, resulting in a right wing strike.

Accident Details

A pilot was landing at a remote village site. The reported weather at the time of the accident was approximately 3/8 of a mile visibility. The pilot estimated the in-flight visibility as 1.5 miles and stated that although much of the runway was shrouded in fog and mist, he could see the approach end of runway 05.

Flight Maneuvers

While on a base leg to runway 05, the pilot reported he was in too close to the runway and elected to perform a tight 'S' turn to gain additional spacing. As he turned to final, he reduced engine power to idle. He subsequently realized he was too low and too slow, heard the stall warning horn, and quickly added full power.

Impact

The airplane rolled to the right and struck the runway with the right wing.

Pilot Remarks

The pilot provided the account of the events, including his estimates of visibility and the sequence of maneuvers.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07640. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.