Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-20 near Anchorage, AK — 2021-03-06

Final reportANC21LA021
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Date
2021-03-06
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
MRI
Aircraft
PIPER PA-20
Registration
N7054K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he had about a 3-knot tailwind. When the airplane was at about 40 mph indicated airspeed, he applied forward pressure to the control yoke, and as the tail lifted off the ground the airplane encountered a gust of wind. Subsequently, the airplane veered abruptly to the left, he overcorrected, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a snow berm coming to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported 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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