Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Port Alsworth, AK — 2012-09-21

Final reportANC12CA110
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Date
2012-09-21
Location
Port Alsworth, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N3802Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions from an off-airport site, which resulted in a collision with terrain and a nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a mountain ridgeline in gusting wind conditions. He said that he started the takeoff in what he estimated was a 5- to 10-knot headwind. At liftoff, a gust of wind raised the right wing, and the left wing struck the ground, which pivoted the airplane to the left. The airplane then continued over the ridgeline, traveled downhill, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. There were no reported preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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