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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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NTSB Report

September 5, 1999 · Piper PA-18 · N3903Z

Kenai, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1999
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Kenai, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N3903Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC99LA133

The student pilot and sole passenger were circling wildlife about 200 feet above ground level. The pilot told the NTSB investigator-in-charge he had one notch of flaps extended, the carburetor heat was off, and the airspeed was about 60 miles per hour. He said he attempted to raise the left wing, the wing dropped, the airplane stalled, and the airplane contacted the trees. He stated there was nothing wrong with the airplane, he should have been circling higher, and that he should have increased power before attempting to lift the wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent stall. A factor was the intentional low altitude maneuvering by the pilot.

Full Narrative

On September 5, 1999, about 0945 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, N3903Z, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees after an in-flight loss of control while maneuvering about 200 feet above the ground (agl). The accident occurred at 60 degrees 47.68 minutes north latitude, 152 degrees 08.57 minutes west longitude, about 25 miles west of Kenai, Alaska. The student pilot and the one passenger on board sustained minor injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 by the airplane's owner. The flight departed from an off airport site about 0930. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no plan was filed. During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) on September 6, the pilot stated that he and his wife had departed from a relative's landing strip near the accident site about 0730. They landed at an off airport site for a break, then took off again about 0930. The pilot said he was circling about 200 feet above the ground to view wildlife. He indicated that he had extended one notch of flaps, the carburetor heat was off, and the airspeed was about 60 miles per hour. He said he attempted to lift the left wing, the left wing dropped, the airplane stalled, and the airplane contacted the trees. The pilot stated there was nothing wrong with the airplane, that he should have been circling higher, and that he should have increased engine power prior to making a turn. The pilot and passenger walked to another landing strip, where they were picked up by relatives.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN3903Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data