PIPER PA 18-150 near Old Harbor, AK — 2015-10-16

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he intended to perform a touch and go "to roll the tires" on a beach. He reported that he touched down, added power, and became airborne. He reported that shortly after becoming airborne the airplane rotated 90 degrees to the right, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest upright on an embankment and sustained substantial damage to the left wing, empennage, and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photos (Courtesy of Pilot)photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 170B

  2026-07-10 · Hartwell, GA

• CASSUTT IIIM

  2026-07-05 · Odessa, TX

• CESSNA 172H

  2026-05-25 · Berryville, AR

• COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CO 114TC

  2026-05-23 · Woodruff, WI

• BELL 206-L4

  2026-05-23 · Cedar City, UT

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-05-18 · Harrison, NY