Casualties unknown

2002-05-16: Piper PA-18 (N82735) — Holy Cross, AK

Holy Cross, AK, US

On May 16, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N82735) was involved in an aviation accident near Holy Cross, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was the presence of high vegetation (willows) along the right side of the landing area. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing roll on a lake beach, an aircraft's right wingtip struck willow bushes, pivoting the airplane and causing damage to the propeller, tailwheel assembly, rudder post, and fuselage longeron.

Incident Details

A commercial certificated pilot, also a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer, was landing an airplane on the beach area of a lake adjacent to a remote lodge. The pilot and a passenger were concluding a cross-country public use flight conducted for the purpose of a criminal investigation. During the landing roll, the right wingtip contacted willow bushes, pivoting the airplane to the right.

Damage

The airplane received damage to the propeller, the tailwheel assembly, the rudder post, and a fuselage longeron.

Flight Context

The flight was a public use operation, with the pilot performing duties as a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer. The landing site was a beach area on a lake, chosen for its proximity to a remote lodge. The cross-country flight was part of an official criminal investigation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020529X00756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.