Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in abnormal contact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll on a gravel bar adjacent to a river, the airplane's right main landing gear contacted soft terrain. After contact with the soft terrain, the right main landing gear separated from the airframe and the airplane came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Lake, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18
- N-number
- N1214A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.