2004-08-26: Piper PA-18 — 40 Mile Air Ltd. — Paxson, AK

Casualties unknown • Paxson, AK, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airline transport certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane at a remote landing spot at the conclusion of an on-demand passenger flight. The pilot said the landing area was a rocky ledge, about 900 feet long, and about 12 feet wide, located along the edge of a glacier, about 5,500 feet msl. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collided with a rock, and the gear collapsed. The right wing struck the ground, and received damage to the wing spar. The pilot indicated that the visibility in the area consisted of hazy conditions with smoke and light rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-08-26 Piper PA-18 accident near Paxson, AK?

The airline transport certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane at a remote landing spot at the conclusion of an on-demand passenger flight. The pilot said the landing area was a rocky ledge, about 900 feet long, and about 12 feet wide, located along the edge of a glacier, about 5,500 feet msl.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-26 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N8597D, operated by 40 Mile Air Ltd., at Paxson, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.

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