Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Collision with Unseen Object During Gravel Bar Landing (N9488D)

Skwentna, AK, US

On July 7, 2006, a Piper PA-18-180 (registration N9488D) operated by Joseph Beck was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll, and an on ground encounter with terrain. 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 commercial pilot on a pleasure flight reported that his airplane hit an unseen hole, rock, or stump while landing on a remote gravel bar, causing it to veer and sustain wing and propeller damage.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot conducted a pleasure flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, landing on a remote gravel bar. The pilot reported that upon touchdown, the airplane struck an unseen hole, rock, or stump. This impact diverted the airplane from its intended landing path, causing the wing and propeller to hit other objects. The aircraft came to rest in the river.

Damage Assessment

The pilot stated that the wing, lift-strut, and propeller sustained damage. No other details about the extent of damage or injuries were provided.

Circumstances

The gravel bar landing site was remote, and the pilot did not see the object that initiated the sequence before landing. The exact nature of the object remains unspecified in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060817X01186. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.