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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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September 4, 1998 · Piper PA-18 · N8464Y

Cordova, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 1998
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Cordova, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N8464Y
Operator
Larry E March
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC98LA139

The pilot reported he was landing the airplane at an off-airport site in rural Alaska. During the landing roll, the main landing gear encountered brush and weeds, the airplane decelerated rapidly, and then nosed over. The pilot credited the shoulder harnesses installed in the airplane with keeping the injuries to himself and his passenger minor.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable off airport site for landing. A factor associated with the accident was high vegetation (brush and weeds) in the landing area.

Full Narrative

On September 3, 1998, about 2020 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N8464Y, sustained substantial damage while landing at a remote, off airport site located about 40 miles east of Cordova, Alaska. The private pilot and the one passenger aboard received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight last departed the Merle K. Smith Airport, Cordova, about 1915. The destination was the accident site. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on September 4, beginning at 1015, the pilot related he and the airplane's owner, the sole passenger aboard, were landing at the remote site to go hunting. The pilot said during the landing roll, the main landing gear tires encountered brush and weeds, the airplane decelerated rapidly, and then nosed over. He also said there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane, and that the shoulder harnesses installed in the airplane saved him and the passenger from serious injury. The airplane received substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:20 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN8464Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLarry E March
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data