Cessna 170B N8458D accident near Tyonek, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to prevent a stall while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot departed on a personal cross-country flight with a load of groceries. The flight was reported overdue by family friends, and an emergency locator transmitter signal was detected by search and rescue satellites. The airplane was located in a forested area, having collided with trees and snow-covered terrain in a near vertical, nose down attitude. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed that the engine was developing power at the time of impact. No preimpact malfunctions of the airframe or engine were discovered. The position of the airplane was indicative of a stall while maneuvering at low altitude.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08FA037 for the full record.