Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-11 near Lake Louise, AK — 2025-09-10

Final reportANC25LA103
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Date
2025-09-10
Location
Lake Louise, AK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-11
Registration
N5025H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with gusting crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a remote airstrip in his tailwheel equipped airplane. He reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane encountered a strong crosswind, which resulted in the airplane veering to the right. The pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane into the wind, which resulted in a nose high attitude. Concerned with stall conditions, he attempted to level the wings, and lower the nose of the airplane; however, there was not enough altitude to complete the recovery, and the airplane impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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