2003-09-08: Piper PA-18-160 — Skwentna, AK

Casualties unknown • Skwentna, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was a downdraft.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The private pilot was attempting to fly over a 1,200 foot long, gravel-surfaced site before landing. He reported that as he maneuvered the airplane for the fly over, he applied 10 degrees of wing flaps, and a "downdraft came over the wings and stalled them both... ." The airplane subsequently struck the ground in a nose down attitude, and came to rest about 200 feet from the approach end of the intended landing site. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-09-08 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Skwentna, AK?

The private pilot was attempting to fly over a 1,200 foot long, gravel-surfaced site before landing. He reported that as he maneuvered the airplane for the fly over, he applied 10 degrees of wing flaps, and a "downdraft came over the wings and stalled them both... ." The airplane subsequently struck the ground in a…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-09-08 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N4418Z, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was a downdraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030912X01526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…