No fatalities

Off-Airport Landing Ends with Nose-Over on Glassy Water (N723C)

Iliamna, AK, US

On May 10, 2006, a Piper PA-18 (registration N723C) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, which resulted in an undershoot during final approach to a beach, and subsequent in-flight collision with water and a nose over. 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 commercial pilot conducting an off-airport landing for his guiding business touched down short on glassy water, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain structural damage.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting an off-airport landing under Title 14, CFR Part 91, in conjunction with his guiding business. The pilot reported that he touched down short of the intended landing area. The airplane touched down prematurely on glassy water and nosed over.

Damage

According to the pilot, the airplane received a broken windshield and structural damage to one wing. No other damage was reported.

Pilot's Report

The pilot indicated that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. The incident occurred during a landing associated with his guiding business operations.

Context

The flight was conducted under Part 91 regulations. The pilot was the sole occupant (implied by the source, though not explicitly stated). The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, or time of day.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 2006 Piper PA-18 accident near Iliamna, AK?

A commercial pilot conducting an off-airport landing for his guiding business touched down short on glassy water, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 May 2006 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 2006 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N723C, at Iliamna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, which resulted in an undershoot during final approach to a beach, and subsequent in-flight collision with water and a nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060621X00786. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.