Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near St Mary's, AK — 2025-09-14

Final reportANC25LA120
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Date
2025-09-14
Location
St Mary's, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N3797Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, from a short off-airport strip, which degraded the climb performance of the airplane and led to impact with trees at the end of the strip.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he attempted to depart from a 200 yard long, remote airstrip, downhill with a tailwind in a tailwheel equipped airplane. The airplane lifted off the ground but impacted alders at the end of the strip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were 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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