Aircraft nose-down accident during off-airport landing

Casualties unknown • Cold Foot, AK, US

A tailwheel aircraft sustained significant structural damage after hitting an unseen ledge and hole during an off-airport landing in support of law enforcement.

What happened

A commercial pilot was operating a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires on a public use flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The mission was being conducted in support of federal law enforcement activities, involving an approach to an off-airport landing site.

During the landing roll on an unimproved strip of tundra, the right main wheel struck an unseen ledge followed by a hole. This impact caused the aircraft to nose down. The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical anomalies with the aircraft prior to the accident.

The investigation

The aircraft sustained a broken engine mount as well as structural damage to the forward fuselage and the firewall.

Probable cause

The right main wheel struck an unseen ledge and a hole during the landing roll on an unimproved surface, causing the aircraft to nose down.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-08-20 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Cold Foot, AK?

A tailwheel aircraft sustained significant structural damage after hitting an unseen ledge and hole during an off-airport landing in support of law enforcement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-08-20 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N13833, operated by U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service, at Cold Foot, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right main wheel struck an unseen ledge and a hole during the landing roll on an unimproved surface, causing the aircraft to nose down.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050902X01375. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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