Casualties unknown

2004-07-18: Cessna 120 (N1847N) — Matthew P. Voit — Beluga, AK

Beluga, AK, US

On July 18, 2004, a Cessna 120 (registration N1847N) operated by Matthew P. Voit was involved in an aviation accident near Beluga, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in airplane departing the landing surface into a ditch, and subsequently nosing over in tall bushes. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landing a tailwheel airplane on a gravel road encountered soft gravel, causing a left ground loop and collision with bushes, resulting in a nose-over and structural damage.

Incident Details

A private certificated pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel road during daylight hours. The pilot reported that the road surface measured approximately 2,000 to 3,000 feet in length, with about 3 feet of usable surface on each side of the main landing gear tires.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, during the landing roll, the left main landing gear tire encountered soft gravel along the left edge of the road. This caused the airplane to veer abruptly to the left. The left wing subsequently struck several bushes adjacent to the roadway. The impact pulled the airplane further left, leading it into a ditch where it nosed over.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in structural damage to the leading edge of the right wing. Additionally, the aft right wing lift strut was damaged. No further details about other components or injuries were provided in the source.

Sequence of Events

The landing was conducted on a straight gravel road with no reported obstructions in the landing path. The pilot did not indicate any mechanical malfunctions or deficiencies with the airplane prior to the incident. The loss of directional control occurred after the left tire contacted the soft shoulder area.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040727X01072. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.