Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudging his altitude on final approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While making a low flat approach, over an old logging road, to a remote landing site, the airplane's left wing hit the tops of 3 small spruce trees. The airplane then collided with the terrain short of the intended landing area.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 26, 1993, at 1140 Alaska daylight time, the pilot of a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N3862Z, lost control and collided with the terrain while landing at a remote site at the Rocky River, located 12 miles southeast of Seldovia, Alaska. The commercial pilot and one passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Port Graham, Alaska, at 1100. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. Following the accident, the pilot stated the following in part: "I was making a low flat approach, over an old logging road, to the landing area. About 300 yards from the selected touchdown point, and 10 feet above the ground, my left wingtip hit the tops of 3 small spruce trees. This pulled the airplane to the left some, and the left wheel down into some low brush, then onto the ground. Then we slid forward about 150 yards before coming to a stop. The airplane left the road and collided with a stump. I think one of the main wheels might have got into a rut on the road. Grass and weeds were growing on the old road. The airplane was equipped with 29 inch tundra tires." -