Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Sterling, AK — 2020-05-28

Final reportANC20CA051
Sign in to save
Date
2020-05-28
Location
Sterling, AK, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N7164B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing a private grass airstrip that was bordered by large trees in his tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left and into trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had avoided taking off in a narrow area surrounded with obstructions in crosswind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps