Casualties unknown

Gravel Bar Landing Incident: Left Wing Strikes Tree Stump (N18PX)

Iliamna, AK, US

On September 11, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N18PX) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was a tree stump not observed 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

During a landing on a gravel bar, a private pilot reported a gust of wind pushed the airplane left, causing the left wing's underside to hit an unseen tree stump. The airplane spun right and hit the ground, damaging the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot was conducting a landing on a gravel bar. As the airplane approached touchdown, the pilot stated that a gust of wind diverted the aircraft to the left of the intended landing point. Subsequently, the underside of the left wing struck a tree stump that the pilot had not observed prior to landing. This impact caused the airplane to spin to the right and contact the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the right wing and the right horizontal stabilizer. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the tree stump was not visible before the landing. The gust of wind was cited as the reason for the deviation from the intended touchdown point.

Sequence of Events

The pilot, who held a private certificate, initiated a landing approach to a gravel bar. Just prior to touchdown, an unexpected gust of wind altered the aircraft's trajectory, moving it to the left. The left wing's lower surface then collided with a tree stump, which was not seen by the pilot. The collision induced a rightward spin, and the airplane struck the ground. The resulting impact inflicted damage to the right wing and the right horizontal stabilizer.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.