What happened
On September 17, 2019, a private pilot was conducting a flight from Mosfellsbæ toward Reykjavík with the intention of refueling. During the flight, the pilot decided to explore landing possibilities on the ridge of Skálafellsöxl, an area they had previously landed on several times.
While flying at a very low altitude along a snow-covered track on the ridge, the pilot attempted to maneuver the Piper PA-18-15 and TF-KAJ upward and to the right. At an altitude of approximately 10 to 15 feet, a sudden gust of wind struck the left wing, causing it to lift abruptly. The pilot attempted to correct the roll with aileron input, but the aircraft instead rolled sharply to the right and struck the ground at an estimated speed of 55 mph. The impact triggered a fire that consumed most of the aircraft. The pilot sustained significant injuries but managed to escape the wreckage before the fire spread. An Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter located and rescued the pilot approximately one hour after the distress signal was received.
The investigation
The RNSA examined the wreckage and the surrounding terrain, noting tire tracks in the snow approximately 285 meters from the crash site and marks from the right wingtip 35 meters prior to the final impact. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which recorded southeast winds of 12 knots with gusts up to 16 knots at the time of the accident. Additionally, video footage from a nearby camera confirmed smoke rising from the wreckage shortly after the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a strong wind gust that lifted the left wing as the aircraft approached a steep cliff edge on the left side of the flight path.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's low altitude and proximity to the mountain ridge during the maneuver.
- The initial distress signal location was inaccurate because the aircraft fire likely destroyed the emergency locator transmitter before updated coordinates could be transmitted.