PIPER PA-20
Tyonek, AK — August 18, 2011
Event Information
| Date | August 18, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC11CA082 |
| Event ID | 20110818X65735 |
| Location | Tyonek, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.26972, -151.79306 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s decision to take off toward a hill with a gusting tailwind. Contributing was the pilot's premature rotation that prevented the airplane from climbing over the hill.
Full Narrative
The student pilot, with one passenger, reported he was departing from a remote off-airport site, downhill, and with a light and variable tailwind. Just after takeoff, he said that a tailwind gust kept the airplane from climbing, and the main landing gear wheels struck a hill at the departure end of the site. The airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
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.