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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

June 4, 1995 · Piper PA-18-160 · N2400S

Tyonek, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tyonek, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-160
Tail Number
N2400S
Operator
Alaska State Troopers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95TA068

THE ALASKA STATE TROOPER PILOT LANDED AT AN OFF AIRPORT SITE ADJACENT TO A RIVER TO APPREHEND AN APPARENT VIOLATOR OF THE STATE'S FISH AND GAME LAWS. THE LANDING SITE WAS COVERED WITH LONG GRASS AND POCKETS OF WATER. FOLLOWING THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE APPROXIMATELY 1,200' LONG 'STRIP'. THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO BECOME AIRBORNE PRIOR TO REACHING AN AREA OF TALLER GRASS AND DEEPER WATER, AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY GROUND-LOOPED AND NOSED DOWN. NO PRETAKEOFF MECHANICAL ANOMALIES WERE CLAIMED OR DISCOVERED.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING/TAKEOFF. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE THE LONG AND WET GRASS COVERING THE UNIMPROVED TAKEOFF AREA.

Full Narrative

On June 4, 1995, about 0945 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N2400S, received substantial damage while attempting to takeoff from an off airport site near the Theodore River, located approximately 15 miles north of Tyonek, Alaska. The Alaska State Trooper commercial certificated pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed. The purpose of the public use flight was for enforcement of the State of Alaska's Fish and Game Regulations. The pilot said he landed the airplane after he observed what he believed was illegal activity next to the Theodore River. He said after his enforcement action, he attempted to takeoff from the unimproved, wet and grass covered 1,200' long strip. A soft field takeoff was initiated, but the airplane did not become airborne prior to entering an area of deeper water and taller vegetation. The pilot said the airplane did not have sufficient flying speed, and he aborted the takeoff. During the ensuing period of deceleration, the airplane ground looped approximately one-quarter of a turn to the right and nosed down. The pilot indicated that he was not aware of any preimpact mechanical anomaly with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-160
Tail NumberN2400S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlaska State Troopers
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt, gusting 8 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data