# NTSB ANC79DAH18: Piper PA-18, N4449Z, Sterling, AK, September 6, 1979

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Closed
- Date: September 6, 1979
- Place: Sterling, AK · STERLING, AK
- Location: 60.5372° N, 150.7647° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sterling, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.5372&lon=-150.7647&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1980
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 132695
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC79DAH18
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC79DAH18

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-3725   79/9/6    STERLING,AK         PIPER PA-18         CR-  0  0  1  NONCOMMERCIAL             PRIVATE, AGE 39, 220
        TIME - 1330                    N4449Z              PX-  0  0  1  PLEASURE/PERSONAL TRANSP  TOTAL HOURS, ALL IN TYPE,
                                       DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL  OT-  0  0  0                            NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.
        NAME OF AIRPORT - HALL LAKE
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
          SCOUT LAKE,AK               STERLING,AK
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           GROUND-WATER LOOP-SWERVE                                 LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM BOUNCED LANDING
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL
        FACTOR(S)
           AIRPORTS/AIRWAYS/FACILITIES - AIRPORT CONDITIONS: GLASSY WATER
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN WATER
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4449Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4449Z), registered now, S/N 18-8796, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- 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
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Airport: Hall Lake

## 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 19790906026969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19790906026969A), Sep 6, 1979: Piper PA18, Sterling, AK, Substantial damage. Landed on glassy water richocheted, dragged wing tip in water. Factor; pilot competency.

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.

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