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Engine Cowling Separation Leads to Emergency Landing on Beach (N2947N)

Kake, AK, US

On June 25, 2002, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2947N) operated by L A B Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Kake, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The in-flight separation of the upper engine cowling from the airplane. A factor contributing to the accident was the soft, sandy terrain of the landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a scheduled commuter flight, an engine cowling latch disengaged, causing the cowling to separate. Oil siphoned onto the windscreen, prompting an emergency landing on a beach where the nose gear collapsed.

Event Overview

During a scheduled commuter flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135, an engine cowling latch disengaged while the aircraft was in cruise flight. The upper cowling subsequently opened and separated from the airplane. Wind passing over the exposed engine compartment extracted the engine oil dipstick, and oil siphoned from the dipstick tube covered the aircraft's windscreen.

Emergency Response

The pilot declared an emergency and was joined in-flight by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. The helicopter guided the airplane to a beach for an emergency landing. During the landing, the nose wheel of the airplane sank into the soft sand, causing the nose gear to collapse. The collapse damaged the airplane's firewall.

Inspection Findings

According to a report issued by the FAA aviation safety inspector who inspected the accident airplane, the cowling latch receptacles displayed significant wear patterns.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 2002 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Kake, AK?

During a scheduled commuter flight, an engine cowling latch disengaged, causing the cowling to separate. Oil siphoned onto the windscreen, prompting an emergency landing on a beach where the nose gear collapsed.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jun 2002 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 2002 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2947N, operated by L A B Flying Service Inc, at Kake, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The in-flight separation of the upper engine cowling from the airplane. A factor contributing to the accident was the soft, sandy terrain of the landing area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.