On August 5, 2004, a Cessna 182F (registration N3481U) operated by James Petersen was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a landing on soft, off-airport terrain without adequate control authority, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot attempted to land a single-engine aircraft on soft terrain near a river but aborted due to nose wheel shimmy, resulting in a nosedown impact and substantial damage.
What happened
The pilot was operating a single-engine airplane equipped with tricycle landing gear at an off-airport location situated next to a river. As the aircraft approached the ground for touchdown on the soft surface, the nose wheel began to shimmy violently. Recognizing the instability and lack of a suitable runway, the pilot decided to abort the landing attempt.
During the go-around maneuver, the airplane encountered the uneven and soft terrain adjacent to the riverbank. The aircraft nosed over onto its nose, coming to rest in that position. The impact sustained substantial damage to both the wings and the fuselage of the airplane.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a landing on soft, off-airport terrain without adequate control authority, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Aug 2004 Cessna 182F accident near Kenai, AK?
A private pilot attempted to land a single-engine aircraft on soft terrain near a river but aborted due to nose wheel shimmy, resulting in a nosedown impact and substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Aug 2004 Cessna 182F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 182F, registration N3481U, operated by James Petersen, at Kenai, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt a landing on soft, off-airport terrain without adequate control authority, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.
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