Casualties unknown

Stall and Runway Collision During Base-to-Final Turn (N9146D)

Wasilla, AK, US

On October 15, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9146D) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in a stall and an uncontrolled descent to the runway. A factor contributing to the accident was an inadvertent stall. 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 private pilot experienced an engine response delay while turning from base leg to final approach, resulting in a stall and collision with the runway. The landing gear collapsed and the left wing and propeller were damaged.

Overview

A private certificated pilot was executing a left turn from a base leg entry to the final approach course for landing at an airstrip. During the turn, the pilot reported being about 100 feet above ground level (agl) and over the threshold of the airstrip.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, when he added engine power to arrest his descent, the engine rpm did not respond for approximately 3 to 4 seconds. Within that time period, the airplane stalled and descended to the ground. The pilot stated that he leveled the wings before runway contact, and the airplane collided with the runway surface in a wings-level attitude.

Aircraft Damage

The main landing gear collapsed upon impact with the runway. The airplane sustained damage to the left wing lift struts, the left wingtip, and the propeller.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041215X01990. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.