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September 28, 2004 · Piper PA-18-180 · N3685Z

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-180
Tail Number
N3685Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC04CA116

The commercial certificated pilot was landing in a tundra-covered meadow. The pilot said that prior to landing, he made two passes over the site and visually checked the condition of the landing site before the accident landing. He said that during the landing roll, the main landing gear tires broke through the tundra, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts. The pilot noted that there were preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a nose over. A factor associated with the accident was tundra.

Full Narrative

On September 27, 2004, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-18-180 airplane, N3685Z, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during the landing roll at a remote off-airport site, located about 28 miles east of Talkeetna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the Wasilla Airport, Wasilla, Alaska, about 1400. No flight plan was filed, nor was one required. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 29, the pilot reported that he was landing in a tundra-covered meadow. The pilot said that prior to landing, he made two passes over the site and visually checked the condition of the landing site before the accident landing. He said that during the landing roll, the main landing gear tires broke through the tundra, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts. The pilot noted that there were preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-180
Tail NumberN3685Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data