Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in flat light conditions, resulting in the airplane to nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on a road in flat light conditions he drifted to the right after touching down and the right tire struck unplowed snow. The pilot was unable to correct, and the airplane continued to the right into a snow berm. Subsequently, it nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 2, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kenai, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Mcgahan Industrial (AK73)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N94X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- 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.