Pilot Debrief

PIPER/GERBI CHARLES R PA 18-150 near Juneau, AK — 2023-09-11

Final reportANC23LA081
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Date
2023-09-11
Location
Juneau, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER/GERBI CHARLES R PA 18-150
Registration
N4900C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain altitude after the airplane encountered a downdraft while maneuvering over an area of hilly terrain.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot stated he departed from his remote cabin and recalled experiencing significant downdrafts while maneuvering in an area of hilly terrain. The next thing he remembered is trying to turn off the key after the accident, and then waking up in a hospital. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. During a postaccident interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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