2002-08-05: Piper PA-18-150 — Gulkana, AK

Casualties unknown • Gulkana, AK, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot and passenger were on a personal cross country flight. The pilot was taking off on a gravel runway after completing a refueling stop. According to the pilot, during the initial climb, he rolled the airplane into a left turn, but when he tried to roll out of the turn, the control stick was jammed. The airplane continued in a descending left turn and impacted the ground. Postaccident inspection of the airplane by the pilot failed to disclose any flight control system mechanical anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-05 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Gulkana, AK?

The pilot and passenger were on a personal cross country flight. The pilot was taking off on a gravel runway after completing a refueling stop. According to the pilot, during the initial climb, he rolled the airplane into a left turn, but when he tried to roll out of the turn, the control stick was jammed. The…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-05 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N4151Z, at Gulkana, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.

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