Aircraft submerged in tidal surf after landing attempt on beach

Casualties unknown • Cold Bay, AK, US

A private pilot attempting to land on a remote tidal beach lost control of his aircraft after touchdown, causing the plane to collide with a wave and sink.

What happened

A private pilot was performing a westward landing on a remote tidal beach. At the time of the accident, the pilot estimated wind conditions were approximately 8 knots from the southwest.

Immediately following touchdown, the left wing of the unspecified aircraft lifted. In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied full power and full left aileron. This action caused the airplane to become airborne again, at which point it veered to the right over the tidal surf and collided with a large wave.

The impact caused the aircraft to sink. The pilot and his one passenger were not injured, though they were forced to swim approximately 50 yards to reach the shore. The wreckage of the airplane was not recovered.

Findings

The investigation identified a mechanical interference issue regarding flight controls. The pilot reported that he was unable to achieve full aileron deflections because the control stick contacted the flap actuation lever during the maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to achieve full aileron deflection due to the control stick contacting the flap actuation lever.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-23 Piper PA-18 accident near Cold Bay, AK?

A private pilot attempting to land on a remote tidal beach lost control of his aircraft after touchdown, causing the plane to collide with a wave and sink.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-23 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4058Z, at Cold Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to achieve full aileron deflection due to the control stick contacting the flap actuation lever.

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.

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