Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18 near Healy, AK — 2012-08-31

Final reportANC12CA109
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Date
2012-08-31
Location
Healy, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18
Registration
N1620A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in an aborted takeoff and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing uphill from a remote off-airport site. The rough and gravel-covered site was about 600 feet long, with soft vegetation, and 25- to 30-foot-tall trees about 150 feet beyond the departure end. The wind was variable with moderate gusts. When the pilot realized that he did not have enough airspeed or remaining runway to clear the trees at the departure end of the site, he aborted the takeoff. The airplane subsequently overran the southeast end of the site, into an area of tree-covered, rough and uneven terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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