N5884DPIPER PA 18-1502016-05-05 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA 18-150S/N: 18-5308

Summary

On May 05, 2016, a Piper PA 18-150 (N5884D) was involved in an accident near Mccarthy, AK. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover.

The pilot stated that while maneuvering low-level in an attempt to locate a suitable gravel bar for an off-airport landing, a wind gust lifted the right wing. The airplane entered an aerodynamic stall from which he was unable to recover before impacting terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC16CA025. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5884D.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, May 5, 2016
NTSB Number
ANC16CA025
Location
McCarthy, AK
Event ID
20160510X62431
Coordinates
62.100399, -145.530288
Nearest Airport
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's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-5308
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1956
Model / ICAO
PA 18-150M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCMAHAN JOHNNY W
Address
PO BOX 184
City
GAKONA
State / Zip Code
AK 99586-0184
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that while maneuvering low-level in an attempt to locate a suitable gravel bar for an off-airport landing, a wind gust lifted the right wing. The airplane entered an aerodynamic stall from which he was unable to recover before impacting terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC16CA025