N3903Z

On September 5, 1999, about 0945 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, N3903Z, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees after an in-flight loss of control while maneuvering about 200 feet above the ground (agl). The accident occurred at 60 degrees 47.68 minutes north latitude, 152 degrees 08.57 minutes west longitude, about 25 miles west of Kenai, Alaska. The student pilot and the one passenger on board sustained minor injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 by the airplane's owner. The flight departed from an off airport site about 0930. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no plan was filed.

During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) on September 6, the pilot stated that he and his wife had departed from a relative's landing strip near the accident site about 0730. They landed at an off airport site for a break, then took off again about 0930. The pilot said he was circling about 200 feet above the ground to view wildlife. He indicated that he had extended one notch of flaps, the carburetor heat was off, and the airspeed was about 60 miles per hour. He said he attempted to lift the left wing, the left wing dropped, the airplane stalled, and the airplane contacted the trees. The pilot stated there was nothing wrong with the airplane, that he should have been circling higher, and that he should have increased engine power prior to making a turn. The pilot and passenger walked to another landing strip, where they were picked up by relatives.