# NTSB ANC90LA185: Piper PA-18, N3897Z, Kotes Lakes, AK, September 27, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 27, 1990, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Kotes Lakes, AK
- Coordinates: 61.199726, -149.750335 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1997&lon=-149.7503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5464
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC90LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5464/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA185

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S ENCOUNTER WITH TURBULENCE WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - gusts (cause)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - turbulence (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS ON APPROACH TO A GRAVEL BAR WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3897Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3897Z), registered now, S/N 18-7788 (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: 187788
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: James Richardson
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 6,500 total, 400 in this make and model, 6,300 as pilot in command, 350 in the last 90 days, 105 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °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 19900927042529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900927042529A), Sep 27, 1990: Piper PA18150, Kotes Lakes, AK, Substantial damage. Windshear on final, flipped over but righted prior to impact in a lake adjacent to the runway.

## Other investigations on N3897Z (2)

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 ANC15CA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15CA039), Jun 13, 2015: Piper PA 18-150 (N3897Z), McCarthy, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's excessive use of wheel brakes during landing, resulting in a nose over.
- [NTSB ANC13CA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA078), Aug 12, 2013: Piper PA-18-150 (N3897Z), McCarthy, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff.

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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