Aircraft excursion during landing on mountain ridge

Casualties unknown • Delta Junction, AK, US

A pilot transporting supplies to a remote hunting area overran his intended landing area on a mountain ridge, resulting in wing and propeller damage.

What happened

A commercial certificated pilot was operating an aircraft to transport hunting and camp supplies to a remote location in support of a hunting party. The pilot identified a remote mountain ridge for landing where previous wheel tracks were visible. The aircraft was equipped with tundra tires.

During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes. As braking was applied, the large tundra tires began to bounce over the rough terrain. While attempting to avoid excessive braking action, the aircraft overran the intended landing area. During this excursion, the right main tire encountered a depression in the terrain, causing the right wing and propeller to strike the ground.

The investigation

An aircraft mechanic subsequently performed repairs on the aircraft. The maintenance work included repairing the leading edge of the right wing and replacing a wing nose rib.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the intended landing area after the pilot encountered a depression in the terrain during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-05-23 Piper PA-18 accident near Delta Junction, AK?

A pilot transporting supplies to a remote hunting area overran his intended landing area on a mountain ridge, resulting in wing and propeller damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-05-23 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N1087A, at Delta Junction, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the intended landing area after the pilot encountered a depression in the terrain during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050624X00868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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