Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Skwentna, AK — 2013-09-03

Final reportANC13CA092
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Date
2013-09-03
Location
Skwentna, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N40205
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off from a remote, rough landing site in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was taking off from an off-airport landing site near the top of a mountain ridge, in gusty wind conditions, in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane onto rough terrain, which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne before it had sufficient speed to maintain flight. When the airplane settled back to the ground, the main landing gear broke off, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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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