PIPER PA-18A
Talkeetna, AK — August 24, 2013
Event Information
| Date | August 24, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC13CA083 |
| Event ID | 20130824X74132 |
| Location | Talkeetna, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 62.32028, -150.09361 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff, as the tailwheel-equipped airplane lifted off of the ground, the left wing lifted, and despite his control inputs, it drifted to the right. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees on the right side of the runway, which resulted in structural damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot added that at the time of takeoff, a 10 to 15 knot left crosswind was present. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.