# NTSB ANC92LA107: Piper PA-18, N1387C, Watana Lodge, AK, July 12, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1992, 16:30 local (Jul 12, 1992, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Watana Lodge, AK
- Coordinates: 63.010623, -149.399124 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.0106&lon=-149.3991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5755
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5755/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA107

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCH DOWN POINT, AND THE LOOSE OBJECT (LARGE ROCK) ON THE LANDING STRIP.

## 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 objects (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO TOUCH DOWN TOO FAR OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STRIP. THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL HIT A LARGE ROCK, CAUSING THE AIRPLANE TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT, LEAVE THE STRIP, AND NOSE OVER INTO THE BUSHES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1387C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-2643
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Christopher C. Bulard
- Registered owner: Christopher C. Bulard
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: Z68, CANTWELL, AK
- Destination: Z68
- Airport: NONE, Watana Lodge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 300 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 70 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °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 19920711030009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920711030009A), Jul 11, 1992: Piper PA18135, Watana Lodge, AK, Substantial damage. Landed on edge of dirt strip. Wheel struck a rock. Swerved off runway and nosed over.

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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