Pilot Debrief

Piper PA22 near Lake Louise, AK — 2020-08-22

Final reportANC20CA087
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Date
2020-08-22
Location
Lake Louise, AK, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA22
Registration
N3251Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to takeoff in shifting winds from a remote unimproved gravel bar, which resulted in a failure to attain an airspeed suitable for flight and a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote unimproved gravel bar, after becoming airborne, the airplane began to descend. He added that there was “plenty of runway left” and he allowed the airplane to bounce on the airstrip. The pilot continued the takeoff attempt, and after an additional bounce, the airplane descended for a third time onto “much larger rocks”. Subsequently, the airspeed diminished, and the airplane came to rest in the trees and rocks. The pilot added that during the takeoff, the headwind switched to a tailwind. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. 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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