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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 17, 1994 · Piper PA-18 · N5285J

Juneau, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 17, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Juneau, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N5285J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95LA021

THE PILOT REPORTED HE AND ONE PASSENGER HAD LANDED ON A REMOTE BEACH SITE WHILE BEAR HUNTING. AFTER SCOUTING THE AREA, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE BEACH WHERE HE HAD LANDED. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE TOTAL AREA AVAILABLE FOR TAKEOFF WAS BETWEEN 400' TO 600'. THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO BECOME AIRBORNE PRIOR TO REACHING THE END OF THE TAKEOFF AREA, AND COLLIDED WITH BRUSH. THE PILOT REPORTED NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL ANOMALIES WITH THE AIRPLANE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF.

Full Narrative

On December 17, 1994, at 1030 Alaska standard time, a wheel/ski equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N5285J, registered to and operated by the pilot-in-command, collided with terrain during takeoff from a beach one mile south of Pack Creek near Seymore Channel approximately 30 miles south of Juneau, Alaska. The pilot and his passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The destination of the pleasure flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 for big game hunting purposes, was Juneau. The pilot reported that visual meteorological conditions prevailed and that his wife was aware of the flight itinerary. On the morning of December 19, 1994, the NTSB investigator- in-charge conducted a telephone interview with the pilot. The pilot said that between 400 feet and 500 feet of beach area was available for the takeoff run and that the plane normally required only about 250 feet to become airborne. The weight of the airplane was right at the maximum gross weight. The takeoff was initiated using full engine power and 40 degrees of flap. The plane accelerated normally but did not want to become airborne. The plane's right wing collided with brush at the end of the takeoff area just as the airplane appeared to want to fly. The plane spun to the right 270 degrees with resultant damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot indicated in his written report to the NTSB that there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane during the takeoff attempt.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:30 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN5285J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data