On April 4, 1998, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4320Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were snow covered terrain, and a hidden obstruction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot landing a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane on a remote snow-covered river gravel bar struck a buried object during the landing roll. The pilot added power and departed without stopping. Upon return, damage was found at the right main landing gear attach point.
Incident Details
A certificated commercial pilot was landing a ski-equipped, tailwheel airplane on a remote, snow-covered river gravel bar. During the landing roll, the landing gear skis struck an object that was buried in the snow. The pilot immediately added power and departed without stopping after the impact. The pilot did not observe what type of object was in the snow.
Damage Discovery
After returning to the departure airport, the pilot inspected the airplane and discovered damage to the fuselage at the right main landing gear attach point. No other information about the extent of damage or the nature of the object struck was provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Apr 1998 Piper PA-18 accident near Talkeetna, AK?
A commercial pilot landing a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane on a remote snow-covered river gravel bar struck a buried object during the landing roll. The pilot added power and departed without stopping. Upon return, damage was found at the right main landing gear attach point.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 1998 Piper PA-18 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Apr 1998 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4320Z, at Talkeetna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were snow covered terrain, and a hidden obstruction.
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