Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land with insufficient obstacle clearance.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing resulting in a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing at a remote, off airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He stated that he made two low passes over the intended landing site, which was narrow, but in good condition, with willow bushes lining both sides of the strip. After landing, the left wing struck willow bushes, the airplane veered off the strip and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beluga, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A 150
- N-number
- N2868P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- 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.