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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot's Landing on Ridgeline Ends with Nose-Over (N6978B)

Ninilchick, AK, US

On September 17, 2003, a Piper PA-18 (registration N6978B) was involved in an aviation accident near Ninilchick, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with terrain during an approach to landing on a ridgeline. 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 private pilot attempting to land on a ridgeline encountered wind conditions that lifted the right wing, resulting in a collision with the ridge and a nose-over. The aircraft sustained damage to wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

Accident Details

During a landing approach to a ridgeline oriented east/west, a private certificated pilot experienced a loss of control. The ridgeline was approximately 1,000 feet long and 30 to 100 feet wide. The pilot reported that the intended landing direction was east.

Pilot Report

The pilot described the wind as 10 to 15 knots from the southeast. As the airplane neared the ground, a burble of wind over the ridge lifted the right wing. The airplane then collided with the ridge and subsequently nosed over.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the wings, fuselage, and landing gear of the aircraft. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation Status

No analysis or conclusions beyond the pilot's account and the observed damage have been released. No probable cause has been stated.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 2003 Piper PA-18 accident near Ninilchick, AK?

A private pilot attempting to land on a ridgeline encountered wind conditions that lifted the right wing, resulting in a collision with the ridge and a nose-over. The aircraft sustained damage to wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 2003 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N6978B, at Ninilchick, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with terrain during an approach to landing on a ridgeline. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, and an unfavorable wind along the ridgeline.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030918X01557. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.