# NTSB ANC84LA154: Piper PA-18, N7224K, Kashwitna River, AK, September 3, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 2, 1984, 18:30 local (Sep 3, 1984, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Kashwitna River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4353
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4353/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA154

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - fluctuating (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - total, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - not identified, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE WAS FLYING IN A 'DRAW' DOING SOME SCOUTING FOR HUNTING WHEN THE TERRAIN SEEMED TO BE RISING FASTER THAN THE ACFT WAS CLIMBING. WITHOUT ROOM TO REVERSE COURSE HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A RIVER BANK. UPON TOUCHDOWN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED. PLT RECOMMENDED ENTERING CANYONS AT HIGHER ALTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7224K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7224K), registered now, S/N 18-118, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18515
- Engines: LYCOMING 125 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald E Hills
- Registered owner: Ronald E. Hills
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 8, 1984
- Departed: Z-16, WASILLA, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 55 total, 55 in this make and model, 39 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840902048829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840902048829A), Sep 2, 1984: Piper PA18, Kashwitna River, AK, Substantial damage. Entered a downdraft flying up a canyon. Unable to outclimb rising terrain. Put ti down into a willow tree.

## Other investigations on N7224K (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 ANC88FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88FA057), May 17, 1988: Piper PA-18 (N7224K), Wasilla, AK, substantial damage

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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