# NTSB ANC89LA040: Piper PA-18, N7049, Iliamna, AK, February 6, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 6, 1989, 16:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Iliamna, AK
- Coordinates: 59.850402, -154.560256 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.8504&lon=-154.5603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5165
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5165/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA040

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE GUSTY WINDS.

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE WIND WAS APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH. THE STATE TROOPER'S AIRPLANE WAS MANEUVERING AT LOW LEVEL WHEN THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT WING SUDDENLY DROPPED TO THE LEFT. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ON THE FROZEN TUNDRA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - high wind
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts
  - compensation for wind conditions - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7049](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7049), registered now, S/N 18-8709, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 183498
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: State Of Alaska
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,597 total, 1,250 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 57 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 90 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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.