Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Fairbanks, AK — 2024-09-15

Final reportANC24LA098
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Date
2024-09-15
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N4242Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a rate of climb sufficient to clear obstacles during takeoff, resulting in a collision with obstacles and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, his tailwheel-equipped airplane was not producing adequate lift to maintain a rate of climb needed to clear obstacles at the end of the airstrip. The landing gear contacted the tops of some small trees, the left wing stalled, and the airplane came to rest in a grove of small trees and brush, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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