PIPER PA 18A 150
Nondalton, AK — April 19, 2015
Event Information
| Date | April 19, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC15CA022 |
| Event ID | 20150421X05551 |
| Location | Nondalton, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 59.98028, -154.83945 |
| Airport | NONDALTON |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 18A 150 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off with a gusting crosswind.
Full Narrative
The pilot was on a personal cross-country flight in a tailwheel-equipped, single engine airplane. The pilot stated that although there was a strong crosswind on landing, he did not expect it to affect the airplane on takeoff. During the takeoff ground roll, when the pilot could no longer maintain directional control, he took off, climbing about 10 feet before losing altitude and impacting a ditch that is parallel to the runway. During the impact, the airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot and sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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.