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NTSB Report
September 5, 1987 · Piper PA-18 · N4191Z
Mcgrath, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mcgrath, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N4191Z
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ANC87LA142
A LOCAL HUNTING GUIDE CRASHED HIS AIRPLANE IN A REMOTE MOUNTAIN PASS IN CENTRAL ALASKA. ANOTHER GUIDE WHO OVERFLEW THE CRASH SITE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT SAW THE AIRPLANE BURNING, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LAND DUE TO STRONG WINDS, SEVERE TURBULENCE AND STRONG DOWNDRAFTS. THE PRIVATE PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF THE CRASHED AIRPLANE WAS KILLED AND THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED. EARLIER CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE PIC AND A STATE TROOPER REVEALED THAT THE FORMER LIKED TO FLY LOW TO THE GROUND DURING HUNTING SEASON IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM DISTURBING SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDES. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AT THE ACCD SITE INDICATED THAT A WINGTIP INITIALLY STRUCK THE GROUND FOLLOWED BY THE ACFT CARTWHEELING.
Full Narrative
A LOCAL HUNTING GUIDE CRASHED HIS AIRPLANE IN A REMOTE MOUNTAIN PASS IN CENTRAL ALASKA. ANOTHER GUIDE WHO OVERFLEW THE CRASH SITE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT SAW THE AIRPLANE BURNING, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LAND DUE TO STRONG WINDS, SEVERE TURBULENCE AND STRONG DOWNDRAFTS. THE PRIVATE PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF THE CRASHED AIRPLANE WAS KILLED AND THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED. EARLIER CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE PIC AND A STATE TROOPER REVEALED THAT THE FORMER LIKED TO FLY LOW TO THE GROUND DURING HUNTING SEASON IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM DISTURBING SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDES. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AT THE ACCD SITE INDICATED THAT A WINGTIP INITIALLY STRUCK THE GROUND FOLLOWED BY THE ACFT CARTWHEELING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN4191Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT