# NTSB ANC92LA136: Piper PA-18, N6592L, Bettles, AK, August 10, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1992, 21:00 local (Aug 10, 1992, 05:00 UTC)
- Place: Bettles, AK
- Coordinates: 67.239578, -152.270919 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=67.2396&lon=-152.2709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5783
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5783/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA136

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE WHILE OPERATING IN THE MOUNTAINS.  A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE CRASHED AT THE 3300 FOOT LEVEL ON A MOUNTAINSIDE WITH AN APPROXIMATE 30 DEGREE GRADIENT.  THE PILOT SAID HE WAS ON APPROACH TO LAND ON THE MOUNTAINSIDE, AND THE AIRPLANE ' TOUCHED DOWN EARLY'.  THE PASSENGER SAID THEY WERE PLANNING TO FLY THROUGH A PASS TO THEIR FRONT, AND THE AIRPLANE GOT 'TOO LOW AND TOO SLOW', THEN COULD NOT OUT CLIMB THE RISING TERRAIN.  THE HELICOPTER PILOT WHO RECOVERED THE WRECKAGE SAID THERE WERE NO SUITABLE LANDING AREAS NEARBY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6592L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6592L), registered now, S/N 18-7409109, built 1974 (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: 18-7409109
- Airframe hours: 808
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert J. Sept
- Registered owner: Robert J. Sept
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 1992, 14 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 430 total, 350 in this make and model, 430 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19920809034699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920809034699A), Aug 9, 1992: Piper PA18150, Bettles, AK, Substantial damage. Flew into valley looking for sheep. Became too low to clear rising terrain stalled onto mountainside.

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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