# NTSB ANC91LA008: Piper PA-18, N1181Y, Chugiak, AK, October 25, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1990, 16:30 local (Oct 25, 1990, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Chugiak, AK
- Coordinates: 61.409034, -149.170059 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.4090&lon=-149.1701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5506
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91LA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5506/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA008

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LANDING AND THE FAILURE TO SELECT SUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ON THE GAVEL BAR SHORTLY AFTER TOUCHDOWN , THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE THEN GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1181Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1181Y), registered now, S/N 18-2144, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 182144
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mark Mechelis
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: NONE, KNIT RIVER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 700 total, 600 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 30 °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 19901024047049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901024047049A), Oct 24, 1990: Piper PA18135, Chugiak, AK, Substantial damage. Practice landings on a gravel bar. Tried to land on angle to touchdown point bounced and right wing hit the ground.

## Other investigations on N1181Y (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 ANC08CA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA024), Nov 29, 2007: Piper PA-18-135 (N1181Y), Seward, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain 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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