Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall, during gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that on short final to a remote gravel airstrip, and just prior to touch down, a gust of wind made his approach feel unstable. The pilot attempted to abort the landing, but the wind gust decreased, and the airplane stalled and landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA024 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N6999
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.