Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18 near Talkeetna, AK — 2021-08-10

Final reportANC21LA075
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Date
2021-08-10
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Airport
AK61
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18
Registration
N1264A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The malfunction of the control stick during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a private gravel-covered airstrip, the control stick “jammed” as the airplane climbed between 10 and 15 ft above ground level. Because the pilot and the passenger were both unable to move the control stick at their positions, the pilot closed the engine throttle to attempt an emergency landing. The airplane landed in an area of tree-covered terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The cause of this accident could not be determined from the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when control stick jammed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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