PIPER PA-18-180
Tok, AK — September 17, 2009
Event Information
| Date | September 17, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC09CA101 |
| Event ID | 20090918X20230 |
| Location | Tok, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 63.31667, -142.95612 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose over during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was departing from a rough, 700-foot-long dirt-covered off-airport site with a load of Caribou meat, on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll the airplane did not become airborne before reaching the end of the site, and the main wheels struck a pool of water at the departure end. The airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that the accident might have been avoided if he had weighed the meat before takeoff.
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.