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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 2, 1997 · Piper PA-22 · N3602A

Healy, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 2, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Healy, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N3602A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA081

The pilot was departing in a tailwheel equipped airplane from a runway that was located along and above a small creek. A right crosswind of about 8 knots was prevailing at the airport. During the takeoff roll, the right wing began to rise. Full right aileron control did not prevent the right wing from continuing to rise. The airplane departed off the left edge of the runway and became airborne. It then stalled and descended about 75 ft to the ground in a near nose level attitude. The airplane received damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and runway alignment. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and the proximity of a creek (ravine) to the runway.

Full Narrative

On June 1, 1997, about 1825 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-22, N3602A, crashed during takeoff at the Healy River Airport, Healy, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country 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, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), reported the airplane was departing runway 15. Skid marks on the runway indicated the airplane departed the left side of the runway, down an embankment. The airplane came to rest about 75 feet below the level of the runway. On June 3, 1997, at 1345, in a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported he started the takeoff with a right quartering headwind of about 5 knots. He noticed a dark cloud about 1 mile to the west of the airport. During the takeoff roll, the right wing began to rise. Full right aileron control could not prevent the right wing from continuing to rise. The airplane was pushed to the left, off the edge of the runway. The airplane then stalled, and descended to the ground in a near nose level attitude. The airplane received damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear. The closest official weather observation station is Healy, Alaska. On June 1, 1997, at 1825, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Wind, 244 degrees (magnetic) at 8 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles in light rain showers; clouds, 4,000 feet broken, 10,000 feet overcast; temperature, 44 degrees F; dew point, 37 degrees F; altimeter, 29.55 inHg. The NTSB pilot/operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) was not returned by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:25 AKDT
Nearest AirportHealy River (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length2920 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN3602A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind244° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data