Casualties unknown

Airplane Accident in Remote Area Following Low-Altitude Maneuver (N8071D)

Manokotak, AK, US

On April 11, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N8071D) operated by Leon C. Braswell was involved in an aviation accident near Manokotak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's performance of a low altitude flight maneuver. 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 witness observed an airplane flying at low level near a river bank, then climbing rapidly, slowing, and turning left before a loud noise and smoke. Postaccident inspection found no preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Accident Details

An airplane operating in a remote area was involved in an accident after a low-altitude maneuver. A witness reported seeing the aircraft flying at a very low level, near or possibly below the tops of a river bank. The witness then observed the airplane climb rapidly, slow down, and begin a turn to the left. Shortly afterward, the witness lost sight of the airplane but heard a loud noise and saw smoke in the vicinity where the aircraft was last seen.

Witness Account

Upon arriving at the accident site, the witness found the airplane on fire. No other witnesses or immediate reports of injuries were mentioned in the investigation. The remote location likely complicated response efforts, though specific details on response are not available.

Postaccident Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the airplane was conducted. The examination disclosed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. This suggests that the airframe and systems were functioning normally prior to the accident sequence. The investigation did not identify any specific cause for the loss of control or the subsequent impact.

Conclusion

The accident remains under investigation, with the witness report and inspection results forming the primary factual basis. No probable cause has been determined based on the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07644. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.