# NTSB ANC89LA065: Piper PA-18, N3902Z, Wasilla, AK, April 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 30, 1989, 14:33 local (22:33 UTC)
- Place: Wasilla, AK
- Location: 61.5785° N, 149.4763° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wasilla, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.5785&lon=-149.4763&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5181
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5181/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA065

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO GO-AROUND WHEN HE DID NOT ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, WHICH REQUIRED EXCESSIVE USE OF BRAKES TO STOP ON THE SHORT LANDING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS FLYING FOR THE PURPOSE OF BECOMING CURRENT IN TAILWHEEL EQUIPPED ACFT. THIS WAS HIS 1ST ATTEMPT AT A SHORT FIELD LANDING. HE STATED HE LANDED A LITTLE FAST & LONG, AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TOO HARD. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE LANDING STRIP WAS 650 FT LONG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3902Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3902Z-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 18-7714, built 1961 (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: 18-7714
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fritz J. Christie
- Registered owner: Fritz J. Christie
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: BGQ, BIG LAKE, AK
- Airport: Rivard'S Yard, runway 6, 650 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 450 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °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 19890430010369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890430010369A), Apr 30, 1989: Piper PA18150, Wasilla, AK, Substantial damage. Landed long on short grass strip. Hit the brakes hard and nosed over.

## Other investigations on N3902Z (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 NYC73AN100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73AN100), Jan 11, 1973: Piper PA-18 (N3902Z), Providence Frg, VA, destroyed, 1 fatal

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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