# NTSB ANC03LA049: Piper PA-18-160, N9877D, Aniak, AK, May 16, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 16, 2003, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Aniak, AK - Coordinates: 60.583332, -159.5 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.5833&lon=-159.5000&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 30, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - Parties: Anchorage FSDO-03 - NTSB case key (mKey): 57031 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC03LA049 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57031/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA049 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in the airplane colliding with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) - terrain condition - tundra ## Analysis The pilot reported he flew low over a spot to check its suitability for landing. While making the low pass, his attention was diverted to adjusting his seatback cushion, and the right tire inadvertently struck the ground. The right main landing gear separated from the airplane, and the airplane impacted the ground. ## Factual narrative On May 16, 2003, about 1000 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N9877D, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude, about 50 miles south of Aniak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on May 20, the pilot said he had taken off from an unimproved landing strip. He said his attention was diverted while adjusting his seatback cushion, and the airplane collided with the terrain. He said both wings, landing gear, and the fuselage were damaged during the collision with terrain. In a written statement received by the NTSB on May 28, the pilot reported he flew low over a spot to check its suitability for landing. While making the low pass he was attempting to adjust his seatback cushion, and the right tire struck the ground. The right main landing gear separated from the airplane, and the airplane impacted the ground. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9877D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9877D), registered now, S/N 18-6899, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18-160 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 186899 - Airframe hours: 10550 - Engines: Lycoming O-320A2B 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert L. Adams - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 8, 2003, 37 hours before - Departed: Aniak, AK ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 1, 2002; seat: front; flight hours: 6,900 total, 5,500 in this make and model, 9,600 as pilot in command, 134 in the last 90 days, 91 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 10 knots - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 45 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20030516012419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030516012419A), May 16, 2003: Piper PA18150, Aniak, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) On may 16, 2003, about 0900 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N9877D, sustained substantial damage during an… ## Other investigations on N9877D (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ANC14CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA080), Sep 13, 2014: Piper PA 18-150 (N9877D), Aniak, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a separation of the wheel axle, resulting in a collision with terrain. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.