No fatalities

Wheel-Equipped Airplane Noses Over After Landing Short on Water (N8874X)

Fort Yukon, AK, US

On September 19, 1998, a Cessna 182D (registration N8874X) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Yukon, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A failure of the pilot to maintain the proper glidepath to the landing touch down spot. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A certificated private pilot landed a wheel-equipped airplane on a river gravel bar but touched down in water, causing the aircraft to nose over and sustain structural damage.

Introduction

A certificated private pilot was operating a wheel-equipped airplane, conducting takeoffs and landings along a remote gravel bar. The pilot was supporting friends who were floating down a river.

Accident Details

On the accident flight, the pilot was landing toward the south. The wind was from the south at about 5 knots. According to the pilot, the wind speed decreased to zero, and the airplane touched down in the water, approximately 20 feet short of the intended landing area. The aircraft then nosed over.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the fuselage, wings, and the left wing lift strut.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1998 Cessna 182D accident near Fort Yukon, AK?

A certificated private pilot landed a wheel-equipped airplane on a river gravel bar but touched down in water, causing the aircraft to nose over and sustain structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Sept 1998 Cessna 182D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 182D, registration N8874X, at Fort Yukon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure of the pilot to maintain the proper glidepath to the landing touch down spot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10985. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.