Casualties unknown

Hard Landing During Simulated Forced Landing in Floatplane (N91855)

Anchorage, AK, US

On June 4, 1997, a Piper PA-18 (registration N91855) operated by Great Northern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action to correct an approach for a simulated emergency landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the student pilot's excessive descent rate during the approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor and student conducting a simulated forced landing in a float-equipped airplane experienced a hard landing on a remote lake, resulting in damage to the fuselage longeron.

Introduction

A flight instructor (CFI) was providing flight instruction in a float-equipped airplane to a student who held a commercial certificate. The student was working toward adding a single-engine seaplane rating to his license.

Accident Details

During the training flight, the student was seated in the front seat and performing a simulated forced landing on a remote lake. As the airplane approached the water, approximately 20 feet above the surface, the rate of descent increased to about 300 feet per minute. Both the CFI and the student advanced the throttle in an attempt to arrest the descent, but the airplane touched down hard on the water.

Damage

The hard landing resulted in damage to a fuselage longeron at the forward float attach point. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08041. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.