On November 7, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N24149) was involved in an aviation accident near White Mountain, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was the presence of weak ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot conducting caribou survey research for the University of Alaska Fairbanks landed on a frozen lake. While taxiing toward shore, the tundra tires broke through the ice, damaging the right landing gear strut and bending the right wing lift strut.
Accident Details
The commercial certificated pilot reported that he was conducting research at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. As part of his research, the pilot was conducting a survey of caribou. The pilot stated that he landed on the surface of a frozen lake in a tundra tire equipped airplane and was taxiing toward the shore. As the airplane neared the shoreline, the airplane tires broke through the ice.
Damage
The airplane sustained damage to the right landing gear strut, and the right wing lift strut was bent. No other damage was reported.
Background
The pilot was operating under commercial certificate privileges for a research project. The specific aircraft type and registration were not disclosed in the report. The frozen lake serving as the landing site was not identified by name. No injuries were reported.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Nov 2000 Piper PA-18 accident near White Mountain, AK?
A commercial pilot conducting caribou survey research for the University of Alaska Fairbanks landed on a frozen lake. While taxiing toward shore, the tundra tires broke through the ice, damaging the right landing gear strut and bending the right wing lift strut.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Nov 2000 Piper PA-18 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Nov 2000 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N24149, at White Mountain, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was the presence of weak ice.
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