N1155C

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-18-135S/N: 18-2457

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, February 12, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA102
Location
Concrete, WA
Event ID
20120212X70015
Coordinates
48.758888, -121.833610
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not attain and maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1155C
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-2457
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1953
Model / ICAO
PA-18-135PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
208 CORP
Address
619 W COMSTOCK ST
Status
Deregistered
City
SEATTLE
State / Zip Code
WA 98119-3422
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while flying, he observed injured snowmobilers waving for help. After radioing for assistance, the pilot gathered emergency supplies from within the airplane and prepared to air drop the supplies to the snowmobilers and configured the airplane for a slow approach over their location. After a successful drop, he applied full power and banked left to avoid terrain. The airplane encountered a downdraft and started to descend with the left wing low. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, the airplane continued to lose altitude until it impacted the glacier below. The airplane’s firewall and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA102