No fatalities

26 Sep 2016: PIPER PA 18 150 — Kotzebue, AK

Kotzebue, AK, United States

On 26 Sep 2016, a PIPER PA 18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for an off-airport precautionary landing, which resulted in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tundra tire–equipped tailwheel airplane nosed over during a precautionary landing due to icing conditions, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.

Accident Overview

A tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires performed an off-airport precautionary landing after encountering icing conditions. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered soft terrain, causing it to nose over.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot.

Weather Conditions

Weather data from the intended destination's automated weather observation station, located approximately 19 miles to the southwest, was reviewed. About 37 minutes before the accident, conditions included wind from 120 degrees true at 14 knots, visibility 1 statute mile, light snow, mist, temperature 34°F, and dewpoint 30°F. About 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 110 degrees true at 13 knots, overcast ceiling at 1700 feet, visibility 1 1/4 statute miles, light snow, mist, temperature 34°F, and dewpoint 32°F.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDecision related to condition

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipmentEffect on personnel