Piper PA-18-150 accident near McGrath, AK
On August 12, 2010, a Piper PA-18-150 (airplane) was involved in an accident near McGrath, AK. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- August 12, 2010
- Place
- McGrath, AK
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-18-150 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 63.496°N, 154.915°W
- NTSB ID
- 20100816X34132
Official records · ANC10FA069
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 12, 2010, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N2413H, sustained substantial damage during a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain near McGrath, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under 14 Code of Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions were reported in the area at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was in effect. The cross-country flight originated from Tanana, Alaska, and was en route to McGrath, Alaska. The accident airplane was the first in a flight of two airplanes. The pilot of the second airplane reported that while following the lead airplane towards McGrath, he noticed that the weather was deteriorating in front of them. He stated that the weather to the west and east appeared better, but the lead airplane continued straight towards an area of mountainous terrain, and worsening weather. Thinking perhaps that the lead pilot was aware of a pass through the mountains, he continued to follow. He said that once they passed the first mountain ridge, the weather became turbulent, dark, and rainy, and that both airplanes had to descend to remain clear of clouds. Around this time, the pilot of the lead airplane radioed, “Buddy are you still with me?” The second pilot responded, “barely,” and then lost sight of the lead airplane. As soon as the second pilot lost sight of the lead airplane, he radioed that he was “out of here” and turned aroun
Probable cause
The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the airplane’s subsequent aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
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Browse: Alaska · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
