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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 12, 1995 · Piper PA-11 · N4589M

Delta Junction, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 12, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Delta Junction, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-11
Tail Number
N4589M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA022

The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff in his ski equipped airplane in a gusting crosswind estimated at 25 knots. He said he elected to use the runway subjected to the greatest crosswind because it also had the most amount of snow on it. Soon after becoming airborne, the airplane encountered severe turbulence, and the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane was not in a position to land on the runway or clear nearby obstructions when the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane subsequently collided with trees adjacent to the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation/planning, and his improper in flight decision making. Factors associated with the accident are the gusty crosswinds and associated turbulence.

Full Narrative

On December 12, 1995, about 1000 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Piper PA-11, N4589M, collided with trees during an aborted takeoff at the Delta Junction airport, Delta Junction, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that he was departing runway 13 and had just lifted off the ground. As the airplane crossed the intersection of runway 08, the pilot encountered severe turbulence and decided to abort the takeoff. The airplane collided with several trees about 15 feet above the ground, about 700 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane received damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot indicated that the weather conditions at the time were: Sky condition and ceiling, 3,000 feet overcast; visibility, 30 miles; temperature, 0 degrees F; wind, 090 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot wrote in his report to the NTSB, under the heading: Recommendation (How Could This Accident Been Prevented): "Waiting for lighter winds or sufficient snow cover to utilize the airstrip pointed into the wind."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:00 AKST
Nearest AirportDelta Junction (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-11
Tail NumberN4589M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data