Casualties unknown

Aborted Landing on Tidal Beach Ends with Wave Collision; Occupants Uninjured (N4058Z)

Cold Bay, AK, US

On May 23, 1998, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4058Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Cold Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated with this accident was the presence of a crosswind. 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

After landing on a remote tidal beach, a private pilot aborted the landing when the left wing lifted. The airplane became airborne, veered right, and collided with a wave. The pilot and passenger swam ashore uninjured.

Accident Description

The private pilot, who also owned the airplane, was conducting a landing to the west on a remote tidal beach. The pilot estimated that wind conditions at the time were from the southwest at 8 knots. Just after touchdown, the left wing lifted. The pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and full left aileron. The airplane became airborne again but veered to the right over the tidal surf and collided with a large wave.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, he was unable to obtain full aileron deflections because the control stick contacted the flap actuation lever, limiting its travel. This occurred during the abort maneuver.

Outcome

Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured. They swam approximately 50 yards to shore. The airplane sank and its wreckage was not recovered.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09972. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.