Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing at a gravel pit when the airplane collided with brush alongside the landing area that was taller than anticipated. The brush resulted in the airplane veering off the landing area. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, and received substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA005 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 22, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Portage, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N82481
- 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.