Casualties unknown

Control Stick Jammed During Left Turn Leads to Ground Impact (N4151Z)

Gulkana, AK, US

On August 5, 2002, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4151Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulkana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A jammed flight control system yoke/stick, which made directional control of the airplane not possible, and resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. 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 initial climb after a refueling stop on a gravel runway, a pilot reported that the control stick jammed while attempting to roll out of a left turn, causing the airplane to descend and hit the ground. Postaccident inspection found no mechanical anomalies.

Incident Overview

A pilot and passenger were on a personal cross-country flight. After completing a refueling stop, the pilot began takeoff from a gravel runway. According to the pilot, during the initial climb, he rolled the airplane into a left turn. However, when he attempted to roll out of the turn, the control stick became jammed. The airplane continued in a descending left turn and subsequently impacted the ground.

Postaccident Inspection

Following the accident, the pilot conducted a postaccident inspection of the airplane. The inspection failed to disclose any mechanical anomalies in the flight control system. No specific cause for the control stick jam was identified during this examination.

Additional Details

The purpose of the flight was personal transportation. The pilot reported no prior issues with the flight controls during the flight before the jam occurred. The accident occurred during the initial climb phase, shortly after takeoff from the refueling stop. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator was provided in the source. The circumstances of the jam and the resulting impact remain as described by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01354. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.