On September 24, 2013, a PIPER PA 18 105SPECIAL was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in abnormal contact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing on a gravel bar, the right main landing gear struck soft terrain, separated from the airframe, and the aircraft came to rest upright with substantial fuselage damage.
Incident Overview
During the landing roll on a gravel bar adjacent to a river, the airplane's right main landing gear contacted soft terrain. Following this contact, the right main landing gear separated from the airframe. The airplane subsequently came to rest upright.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its fuselage as a result of the landing gear separation and the forces experienced during the landing roll.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No other causal factors were identified in the report.
What happened in the 24 Sept 2013 PIPER PA 18 105SPECIAL accident near Big Lake, AK?
During landing on a gravel bar, the right main landing gear struck soft terrain, separated from the airframe, and the aircraft came to rest upright with substantial fuselage damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Sept 2013 PIPER PA 18 105SPECIAL accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Sept 2013 involved a PIPER PA 18 105SPECIAL, at Big Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in abnormal contact with terrain.
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