2003-08-07: Piper PA-18 — Seward, AK

Casualties unknown • Seward, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent water loop/swerve during landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The solo airline transport certificated pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane in a remote, freshwater bay. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he added a slight amount of left rudder to straighten the airplane's track on the water. The airplane subsequently cart-wheeled to the left, nosed over, and sank in shallow water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-08-07 Piper PA-18 accident near Seward, AK?

The solo airline transport certificated pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane in a remote, freshwater bay. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he added a slight amount of left rudder to straighten the airplane's track on the water. The airplane subsequently cart-wheeled to the left, nosed over, and…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-08-07 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N9668P, at Seward, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent water loop/swerve during landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030912X01532. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…