Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18 near Nabesna, AK — 2009-09-18

Final reportANC09LA103
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Date
2009-09-18
Location
Nabesna, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18
Registration
N1169A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a rough and uneven 800-foot-long remote airstrip in a tundra tire-equipped airplane. The pilot said that after assessing his passenger's weight, coupled with the southerly light and variable winds, he elected to depart to the south. He said that just after takeoff the wind suddenly switched to a tailwind and the airplane stopped climbing. The airplane then collided with a stand of trees and brush at the departure end of the site, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after realizing wind direction changed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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