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Private Pilot Lands on Gravel Parking Area at Lake Hood After Night Approach Deviation (N98900)

Anchorage, AK, US

On October 10, 1998, a Piper PA-12 (registration N98900) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of a proper touchdown point. Factors associated with the accident were darkness, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. 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 private pilot returning from winterizing a remote cabin landed on a gravel aircraft parking area at Lake Hood, striking a parked Piper PA-18 and floats. The aircraft sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage.

Accident Details

The private pilot reported that he was returning to Lake Hood after winterizing his remote cabin. He stated that his departure from Snider Lake was later than anticipated, requiring a night landing at Lake Hood. The pilot made a straight-in approach to the south water lane. Just prior to touchdown, he realized he was about 500 feet to the right of the intended touchdown area, over a gravel aircraft parking area. The pilot applied full power in an attempt to go-around, but the airplane continued to settle onto the parking area.

Sequence of Events

During the landing attempt, the airplane's right wing struck a parked Piper PA-18 and a set of stored floats. The airplane then pivoted to the right, and the left wing struck the ground. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's wings and fuselage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Oct 1998 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A private pilot returning from winterizing a remote cabin landed on a gravel aircraft parking area at Lake Hood, striking a parked Piper PA-18 and floats. The aircraft sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Oct 1998 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Oct 1998 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N98900, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of a proper touchdown point. Factors associated with the accident were darkness, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11188. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.