2000-02-17: Piper PA-18 — Willow, AK

Casualties unknown • Willow, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were soft, snow covered terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The commercial certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire equipped airplane at a remote area next to a frozen river. The pilot had landed at the same location the previous day to assist his passenger in locating a lost snow machine. Overnight, about 4 to 6 inches of snow fell in the area. On the accident date, the pilot landed in his tracks from the previous day. During the landing roll, the new snow layer slowed the airplane dramatically, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane received damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the left wing lift strut.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-02-17 Piper PA-18 accident near Willow, AK?

The commercial certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire equipped airplane at a remote area next to a frozen river. The pilot had landed at the same location the previous day to assist his passenger in locating a lost snow machine. Overnight, about 4 to 6 inches of snow fell in the area. On the accident date, the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-17 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N7164B, at Willow, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were soft, snow covered terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20441. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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