Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a rock damaging the empennage.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while attempting to land on a remote off-airport gravel bar, the right tundra-tire displaced a rock, which subsequently impacted the right horizontal stabilizer. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arctic Village, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N5779D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- 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.