Casualties unknown

Tundra Tire-Equipped Aircraft Damaged in Landing Roll Collision with Rock (N8597D)

Paxson, AK, US

On August 26, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8597D) operated by 40 Mile Air Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Paxson, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a collision with a rock and subsequent main landing gear collapse during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was rough, uneven terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on a rocky ledge at about 5,500 ft msl, the right main landing gear of an on-demand passenger flight struck a rock, causing the gear to collapse and damaging the right wing spar.

Incident Overview

An airline transport certificated pilot was concluding an on-demand passenger flight by landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane at a remote landing spot. The landing area was a rocky ledge approximately 900 feet long and 12 feet wide, situated along the edge of a glacier at an elevation of about 5,500 feet mean sea level.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collided with a rock, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground, sustaining damage to the wing spar.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported that visibility in the area was reduced due to hazy conditions with smoke and light rain.

Aircraft and Pilot Details

The pilot held an airline transport certificate. The airplane was equipped with tundra tires. No specific aircraft type, registration, or occupant information was provided in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040831X01328. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.