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Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over After Engine Hesitation During River Bar Landing Attempt (N63DJ)

Palmer, AK, US

On July 6, 2003, a Cessna 170B (registration N63DJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude during an approach to land at an off-airport landing site, which resulted in an undershoot, and subsequent 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during an attempt to land a tailwheel airplane on a river bar, the engine hesitated momentarily after applying power, forcing a turn to avoid a steep bank. The airplane subsequently descended into the river and nosed over.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel airplane was attempting to land on a river bar. The approach end of the bar featured a steep bank. The pilot executed a prolonged power-off approach to the site.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, after the extended power-off approach, he applied power to flare the airplane and "make my landing spot." He stated that the engine "hesitated or sputtered" momentarily. This hesitation required him to turn to avoid the bank. Following the turn, the airplane descended into the river and nosed over.

Outcome

The aircraft ended up inverted in the river after the nose-over. No further details were provided regarding damage or injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 2003 Cessna 170B accident near Palmer, AK?

A pilot reported that during an attempt to land a tailwheel airplane on a river bar, the engine hesitated momentarily after applying power, forcing a turn to avoid a steep bank. The airplane subsequently descended into the river and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N63DJ, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude during an approach to land at an off-airport landing site, which resulted in an undershoot, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030709X01047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.