# NTSB ANC92LA179: Piper PA-18-180, N8699D, Sparrevohn, AK, September 6, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1992, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Sparrevohn, AK
- Coordinates: 61.160503, -149.989395 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1605&lon=-149.9894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (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): 5818
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5818/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA179

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S LOW PASS BETWEEN TREES IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND INFLIGHT DECISION TO CONDUCT LOW ALTITUDE FLIGHT AT A LOCATION THAT WAS TOO RESTRICTED FOR SAFE OPERATION.  FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CROSS WIND CONDITIONS AND OBSTACLES (TREES).

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - low pass - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

PILOT MADE SEVERAL PASSES AT LOCATION FOR POSSIBLE LANDING IN REMOTE AREA.  SUCCESSIVE PASSES TO VIEW LANDING AREA BECAME LOWER UNTIL BELOW TREE TOP LEVEL.  CROSS WIND REPORTEDLY CAUSED AIRCRAFT WING TO STRIKE TREES.  AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8699D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8699D), registered now, S/N 18-6277, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-180
- 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: 18-6277
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: James Harrower, doing business as Stony River Lodge
- Registered owner: James Harrower
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 15, 1992
- Departed: STONY RIVER LGE, AK
- Destination: MOOSE VALLEY, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,702 total, 92 in this make and model, 3,457 as pilot in command, 235 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 2.2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19920906040749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920906040749A), Sep 6, 1992: Piper PA18150, Sparrevohn, AK, Substantial damage. Struck trees on low pass over prospective landing sight. Blamed wind gust. Similar accident in area month earlier.

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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