# NTSB ANC84FA194: Piper PA-18, N1260A, Wasilla, AK, September 30, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1984, 21:15 local (Sep 30, 1984, 05:15 UTC)
- Place: Wasilla, AK
- Location: 61.5785° N, 149.4763° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wasilla, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.5785&lon=-149.4763&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4235
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84FA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4235/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84FA194

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - reduced, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACFT CONTACTED PINE TREES WHILE TURNING BASE TO FINAL APCH TO LAND. PLT STATED ALL HE REMEMBERS IS TRYING TO ACTIVATE THE PLT CONTROLLED RWY LIGHTS BUT NEVER SEEING THEM ILLUMINATE. ANOTHER PLT WHO LANDED JUST PRIOR TO N1260A'S ATTEMPT STATED THE AIRSTRIP WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY COVERED BYA FOG BANK WHICH EXTENDED NORTHWARD. HE CONTINUED TO STATE, THE FOG WAS FROM THE GROUND EXTENDING TO 500 FT AGL AND THE PLT CONTROLLED LIGHTING WAS OPERABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1260A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-1055
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Adams
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 8, 1984
- Departed: Z15, CHUGIAK, AK
- Destination: WASILLA, AK
- Airport: Jackfish Landing, runway 6, 1,500 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,692 total, 278 in this make and model, 1,600 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °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 19840929056899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840929056899A), Sep 29, 1984: Piper PA18S, Wasilla, AK, Destroyed. Attempted Landing at airport obscured by fog. Struck trees while circling airport.

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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