N1364P

On July 10, 1998, about 1015 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N1364P, sustained substantial damage during an off-airport landing, about 8 miles east of Palmer, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight for the purpose of a biennial flight review. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the first pilot/owner. The first pilot, holder of a private pilot certificate, was seated in the front seat. The second pilot, a certificated flight instructor, was seated in the rear seat. Neither pilot was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from the first pilot's airstrip in Palmer, about 0845.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on July 10, 1998, at 1320, the pilot/owner reported he was landing on a small road adjacent to the Knik River. He was performing a simulated forced landing with the engine at idle power. During the landing approach, the pilot slightly overshot the intended landing area, and made a steep turn back toward the road. The second pilot added engine power, but the airplane stalled about 25 feet above the ground. The airplane descended to the ground, and hit hard on the left main landing gear. The airplane received damage to the left main gear, the left wing and lift strut, and the propeller.