This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N15380
- History of Flight:
On August 26, 2026, at about 1318 local time, a privately-registered Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, N9485P, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Seldovia, Alaska. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The flight originated from Merrill Field (MRI/PAMR), Anchorage, Alaska, and was destined to SOV.
Preliminary information indicates the airplane clipped trees during an attempted go-around and crashed into the Seldovia Slougon. The airplane was submerged in 15 ft of water. There is no ADS-B data for the accident flight.
The pilot, aged 68, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. The pilot did not hold an instrument rating. His FAA BasicMed Course was dated 10/17/2025.
At 1253, the recorded weather included winds 010 at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 1,200 ft AGL, temperature 14 °C, dewpoint 11 °C, and an altimeter setting of 30.06 inches of mercury.
At 1346, the recorded weather included winds 040 at 7 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 800 ft AGL, temperature 13 °C, dewpoint 11 °C, and an altimeter setting of 30.07 inches of mercury.
The accident airplane, serial number 24-4999, was manufactured in 1971. It was a 4-seat, low wing, all-metal monoplane of semimonocoque construction with a retractable landing. It was powered by a Lycoming TI0-540 SER engine.
- Weather:
METAR PASO 262053Z AUTO 01005KT 10SM FEW012 14/11 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP179 T01390111 51007 TSNO $
SPECI PASO 262146Z AUTO 04007KT 10SM FEW008 13/11 A3007 RMK AO2 T01330106 TSNO $
- Area Forecast Discussion:
