PIPER PA-18
Healy, AK — August 31, 2012
Event Information
| Date | August 31, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC12CA109 |
| Event ID | 20120920X30613 |
| Location | Healy, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 64.12500, -147.78444 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18 |
| 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 selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in an aborted takeoff and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot was departing, uphill, from a remote off-airport site. The rough and gravel-covered site was about 600 feet long, with soft vegetation, and 25-30 foot tall trees approximately 150 feet beyond the departure end. The wind was variable with moderate gusts. When the pilot realized that he did not have enough airspeed or remaining runway to clear the obstacles at the departure end of the site, he aborted the takeoff. The airplane subsequently overran the southeast end of the site, into an area of tree-covered, rough and uneven terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
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.