# NTSB ANC85LA167: Piper PA-14, N5188H, Cape Yakataga, AK, August 31, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1985, 18:00 local (Aug 31, 1985, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Cape Yakataga, AK
- Location: 60.0664° N, 142.4308° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cape Yakataga, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.0664&lon=-142.4308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4556
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4556/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA167

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND ON A SANDY/GRAVEL AREA ABOUT 600 FT LONG & 100 FT WIDE WHICH WAS LOCATED BETWEEN HILLS THAT WERE 100 TO 150 FT HIGH. DURING A X-WIND APCH, THE ACFT'S RATE OF DESCENT BEGAN INCREASING. THE PLT APPLIED FULL POWER TO ARREST THE DESCENT, BUT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE INTENDED LANDING AREA. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LANDING GEAR HIT A BOULDER & COLLAPSED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AT THE TOPS OF THE HILLS, THE X-WIND WAS VARIABLE AT 10 TO 15 KTS & WAS GUSTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5188H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5188H), registered now, S/N 14-506, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-14
- Registry model: [Piper PA-14](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-14) (registry code 7101402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14506
- Airframe hours: 2313
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jerry Prevo
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 8, 1984, 240 hours before
- Departed: MCCARTHY, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 526 total, 240 in this make and model, 490 as pilot in command, 56 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 28 °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 19850830044809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850830044809A), Aug 30, 1985: Piper PA14, Cape Yakataga, AK, Substantial damage. Landed short of intended gravel bar and lost directional control. Ground looped.

## Other investigations on N5188H (3)

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 ANC26LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA006), Nov 8, 2025: Piper PA-14 (N5188H), Talkeetna, AK, substantial damage, investigation ongoing
- [NTSB ANC88DAG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88DAG03), Apr 5, 1988: Piper PA-14 (N5188H), Glennallen, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC69D0203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69D0203), Jul 23, 1968: Piper PA-14 (N5188H), Pelican Rpds, MN, 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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