# NTSB ANC86LA011: Piper PA-18, N1237A, Fishtrap Lake, AK, December 2, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 2, 1985, 16:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Fishtrap Lake, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (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): 4624
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4624/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA011

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - landing gear,ski assembly - lack of (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate certification/approval,airman, company/operator mgmt
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - weak ice (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND HIS WHEEL EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT ON FROZEN LAKE WITH WATER OVERFLOW AND 12 TO 18 INCHES SNOW. ACFT BROKE THROUGH TOP LAYER OF THIN ICE AND NOSED OVER UPON TOUCHDOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1237A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-1030
- Airframe hours: 1395
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-O 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dick R. Stock
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: Z16, WASILLA, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 55 total, 22 in this make and model, 54 as pilot in command, 54 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19851202060989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851202060989A), Dec 2, 1985: Piper PA18, Fishtrap Lake, AK, Substantial damage. Broke through top layer of ice during landing on a lake. Aircraft nosed over. Student was carrying a passenger.

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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