Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The solo private pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoff and landings at his home airport. He reported that during the third landing, his approach was not stable, and he should have gone around. As he extended his approach down the runway, the airplane stalled, the left wing dropped, and the airplane came to rest in the brush on the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing when it impacted the ground. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA064 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cordova, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Merle K Smith (PACV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18A 150
- N-number
- N9255D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.