Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Cape Yakataga, AK — 2011-08-16

Final reportANC11LA080
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Date
2011-08-16
Location
Cape Yakataga, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N4205Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A collision into water during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and one passenger departed from a remote cabin en route to an ocean beach site, reportedly to collect ice from an adjacent glacial river. An Alaska state trooper who discovered the partially submerged wreckage during a routine aerial shoreline patrol said that, when he first saw the airplane, it was about 300 yards offshore, and only a portion of airplane's empennage was above the water. Additionally, he discovered tracks in the soft beach sand left by an airplane that matched the accident airplane and were consistent with a bouncing takeoff run. The tracks ended just short of the riverbank at the departure end of the site. The airplane wreckage was subjected to numerous tide cycles with heavy ocean waves intermixed with large pieces of glacier ice, which pulverized the wreckage. The body of the passenger was discovered in ocean surf 4 days later, but the pilot remains missing. The airplane wreckage was not recovered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a safer takeoff path away from the river and ice hazards.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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