# NTSB ANC87LA136: Piper PA-18, N9775D, High Lake, AK, August 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1987, 20:00 local (Aug 30, 1987, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: High Lake, AK
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4903
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4903/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA136

## Sequence of events

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

- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER WERE ON A FISHING/SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT WHEN THEY ENCOUNTERED WINDS ESTIMATED AT 35 KNOTS BLOWING OVER A MOUNTAIN RIDGE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY OVER THE RIDGE BUT TURNED AWAY AFTER EXPERIENCING A STRONG DOWN DRAFT. A SECOND ATTEMPT WAS MADE AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL, BUT THE AIRPLANE DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE AFTER ENTERING THE AREA OF THE DOWN DRAFT AND CRASHED ON THE APPROACH TO THE RIDGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9775D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9775D-2013-09-20), registration cancelled 2013-09-20, S/N 18-6836, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 186836
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gary Peltola
- Registered owner: Gary Peltola
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: BET, BETHEL, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 4,500 total, 15 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 25 knots, gusting 35
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °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 19870829056429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870829056429A), Aug 29, 1987: Piper PA18A150, High Lake, AK, Substantial damage. The float equipped aircraft encountered a downdraft and struck a ridge.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.