Casualties unknown

Remote Airstrip Landing Results in Gear Failure and Structural Damage (N645RF)

Palmer, AK, US

On August 7, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N645RF) operated by Bishop, Gary Lee was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude during the final approach phase of landing, which resulted in an undershoot and subsequent collision with terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot reported substantial damage after landing on a short, remote airstrip when the airplane collided with the edge marked by a creek bank, tearing off the landing gear and damaging the engine and propeller.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on a remote airstrip. The airstrip was oriented north/south and measured approximately 500 feet in length. According to the pilot, the landing was being executed toward the south when the airplane collided with the edge of the airstrip. The edge of the airstrip also served as the bank of a creek.

Damage Description

The pilot reported that the landing gear was torn off during the collision. The airplane came to rest on its belly-mounted auxiliary fuel tank. Subsequently, when the airplane nosed down on the airstrip, the engine and propeller sustained damage.

Post-Accident Examination

After the airplane was recovered, a mechanic conducted an inspection. The pilot subsequently notified the NTSB investigator-in-charge that the airplane had received structural damage to the aft gusset of the right main landing gear attach point.

Operational Context

The aircraft was equipped with tundra tires, which are typically used for operations on soft or rough terrain. The remote airstrip's length of about 500 feet and its orientation were noted by the pilot. No other details regarding the specific location, time, or weather conditions were provided in the initial report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040813X01216. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.