Casualties unknown

Landing Short in Meadow Leads to Gear Collapse After Hitting Rock (N7099Y)

Cordova, AK, US

On August 19, 1998, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N7099Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor associated with the accident was grass covered rocks. 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 private pilot landing a tundra tire equipped airplane in a grass meadow to retrieve a deer touched down short, causing the right main landing gear to strike a rock and collapse, resulting in substantial wing damage.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was conducting a landing in an open, grass-covered meadow with a tundra tire equipped airplane. The purpose of the flight was to pick up a deer that the pilot had shot earlier that day.

Approach and Touchdown

During the approach, the airplane touched down approximately 10 feet short of the pilot's intended touchdown point. The meadow's grass was tall, concealing the terrain.

Impact and Damage

At touchdown, the right main landing gear struck a large rock hidden in the tall grass. The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage.

Pilot Statement and Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The aircraft was equipped with tundra tires, which are typically used for soft or rough terrain landings.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10746. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.