ANC02TA036

The commercial certificated pilot, a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer, was landing on the beach area of a lake, adjacent to a remote lodge. The pilot and passenger were concluding a cross-country public use flight to conduct a criminal investigation. During the landing roll, the right wingtip contacted willow bushes, pivoting the airplane to the right. The airplane received damage to the propeller, the tailwheel assembly, the rudder post, and a fuselage longeron.

On May 16, 2002, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N82735, sustained substantial damage during a landing on a beach at Reindeer Lake, about 14 miles east of Holy Cross, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country public use flight, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Public Service, Anchorage, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot, a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer, and the passenger, an Alaska State Trooper, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Aniak airport, Aniak, Alaska, about 1430.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on May 16, the supervisor for the State of Alaska's aircraft section reported that the pilot and passenger were en route to Reindeer Lake to conduct a criminal investigation. The pilot was landing on the beach area of the lake, adjacent to a remote lodge. During the landing roll, the right wingtip contacted willow bushes, pivoting the airplane to the right. The airplane received damage to the propeller, the tailwheel assembly, the rudder post, and a fuselage longeron. The pilot indicated that the wind was from 030 degrees at 8 to 10 knots.