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Piper PA-12 accident at Big Lake, AK, 7 Mar 1999 (N4040M)

Big Lake, AK, US

On March 7, 1999, a Piper PA-12 (registration N4040M) operated by Mark Alger was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing the wheel equipped airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the soft snow covering the frozen lake. 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

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing the wheel equipped airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the soft snow covering the frozen lake.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the wheel equipped airplane said he saw other airplanes landing on the surface of the frozen lake. He decided to land in the same area. The pilot said that during the landing roll the snow was initially hard packed as it had appeared from the air. The wheels then contacted soft snow, and the airplane nosed over.

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.