No fatalities

PIPER PA-18-135 accident at Palmer, AK, 30 Aug 2022

Palmer, AK, United States

On August 30, 2022, a PIPER PA-18-135 operated by John Houghton was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain. 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 pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 2022 PIPER PA-18-135 accident near Palmer, AK?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 2022 PIPER PA-18-135 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 2022 involved a PIPER PA-18-135, operated by John Houghton, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.