Piper PA 18-150 N5884D

Summary

On 5 May 2016 at about 19:00 local time, a Piper PA 18-150 registered N5884D, operated by McMahan Johnny W, was involved in an accident near McCarthy, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 May 2016 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

McCarthy, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

McCarthy (15Z)

Coordinates

62.1004, -145.5303

Aircraft

Piper PA 18-150

Registration

N5884D

Category

Airplane

Year built

1956

Engines

1

Operator

McMahan Johnny W

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

McCarthy → McCarthy

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC16CA025

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while maneuvering low-level in an attempt to locate a suitable gravel bar for an off-airport landing, a wind gust lifted the right wing. The airplane entered an aerodynamic stall from which he was unable to recover before impacting terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to thewings and fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.