PIPER PA-18-150
Gakona, AK — May 10, 2012
Event Information
| Date | May 10, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC12CA037 |
| Event ID | 20120511X40747 |
| Location | Gakona, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 62.19194, -144.86639 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-150 |
| 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 pilot’s decision to take off in variable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane striking an object after takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot was departing from a remote, 800-foot long gravel-covered airstrip, in variable wind conditions. He said that during his southerly takeoff roll, just before liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. As the airplane became airborne, he felt a "bump" but he noted no control or vibration problems. After an uneventful landing at his destination airport, an inspection revealed substantial damage to the lower portion of the airplane's rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies 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.