Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Stalls While Circling Wildlife at Low Altitude (N3903Z)

Kenai, AK, US

On September 5, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3903Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent stall. A factor was the intentional low altitude maneuvering by the pilot. 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 student pilot and passenger were circling wildlife about 200 feet AGL when the airplane stalled and contacted trees. The pilot reported flaps, carburetor heat, and airspeed settings.

Incident Description

A student pilot, accompanied by a sole passenger, was operating an airplane in a low-altitude maneuver. The aircraft was circling wildlife at approximately 200 feet above ground level. According to the pilot's account to the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the airplane had one notch of flaps extended, the carburetor heat was off, and the airspeed was about 60 miles per hour.

Stall and Impact

The pilot stated that while attempting to raise the left wing, the wing dropped, the airplane stalled, and subsequently contacted trees. The pilot reported that there was nothing wrong with the airplane. He added that he should have been circling at a higher altitude and that he should have increased power before attempting to lift the wing.

Pilot Observations

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or injuries were provided in the source. The investigation is based solely on the pilot's statements.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.