Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that she and the passenger departed from a beach, but after taking off, the pilot determined that the weather in the intended direction of flight was not favorable, and she chose to return to the beach to land. While maneuvering onto final approach, the left wing stalled and the airplane descended into the beach, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cordova, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N2588P
- 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.