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Pilot Reports Smoke, Forced Landing, and Post-Exit Fire (N9796P)

Cantwell, AK, US

On September 4, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N9796P) was involved in an aviation accident near Cantwell, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an off-airport forced landing and subsequent destruction of the airplane by fire. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a local personal flight with two dogs observed smoke emerging from the floorboards. After opening the side window, the smoke worsened, prompting a forced landing in brush. The pilot and dogs exited safely before the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Incident Summary

A pilot was conducting a local personal flight with two dogs aboard when he noticed smoke rising through the aircraft's floorboards. In response, the pilot opened the side window to improve visibility and breathing, but the increased airflow caused the smoke to intensify. He subsequently executed a forced landing in brush-covered terrain.

Pilot Actions

After landing, the pilot exited the airplane and ensured his dogs were evacuated to a safe distance. The aircraft was subsequently consumed by fire. The pilot stated he was unaware of the specific ignition source but speculated that the fire may have originated near the battery.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by fire. Due to the remote location of the landing site, neither NTSB nor FAA personnel examined the wreckage.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Cantwell, AK?

A pilot on a local personal flight with two dogs observed smoke emerging from the floorboards. After opening the side window, the smoke worsened, prompting a forced landing in brush. The pilot and dogs exited safely before the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N9796P, at Cantwell, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an off-airport forced landing and subsequent destruction of the airplane by fire.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040909X01377. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.