Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Red Rock, MT — 2025-01-06

Final reportWPR25LA074
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Date
2025-01-06
Location
Red Rock, MT, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N4644Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with deep snow and vegetation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of a tail wheel equipped airplane reported that due to carburetor icing he was forced to land on a mountain ridge. After clearing snow and sagebrush to make a runway, the pilot attempted to depart, but during the takeoff roll the airplane veered right into deep snow and sagebrush. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing struts, rudder and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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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