Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the ski equipped airplane reported that, during landing at an off-airport landing site, the airplane drifted towards a tree. The pilot increased the throttle and attempted to lift the wing over the tree to no avail. The airplane impacted the tree sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA016 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skwenta, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N189BH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.