Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Beluga, AK — 2011-09-23

Final reportANC11CA106
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Date
2011-09-23
Location
Beluga, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N78564
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off uphill into rising terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot elected to take off uphill from a remote site due to a light wind coming down the slope. He said that during the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump and became airborne prematurely. The airplane was unable to outclimb the rising terrain and vegetation. After the main landing gear encountered high vegetation, the airplane slowed, impacted terrain, and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. There were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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