No fatalities

PIPER PA-18-150 accident at Palmer, AK, 30 Apr 2012

Palmer, AK, United States

On April 30, 2012, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by WILLIAMS SHERYL L was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed during a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The student pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed during a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at off airport site. After departing a sandbar, he made a steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Contributing factors

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 2012 PIPER PA-18-150 accident near Palmer, AK?

The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at off airport site. After departing a sandbar, he made a steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Apr 2012 PIPER PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 2012 involved a PIPER PA-18-150, operated by WILLIAMS SHERYL L, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed during a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.