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June 18, 1998 · Piper PA-18-160 · N3684Z

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-160
Tail Number
N3684Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC98LA077

The pilot reported she was attempting to takeoff from a narrow, remote, airstrip bordered by willows and brush. She said she lost directional control during the takeoff roll, and the left wing struck willows alongside the airstrip. The airplane subsequently went into the willows and brush, and received substantial damage. The pilot told an NTSB investigator the cause of the accident was '...pilot error; I didn't use enough right rudder, and the torque got me.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to correct engine/propeller torque and P factor, and the subsequent loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. Factors associated with the accident are the narrow, confined, takeoff area, and bordering high vegetation.

Full Narrative

On June 17, 1998, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N3684Z, sustained substantial damage during a takeoff attempt from a private airstrip located adjacent to Alexander Creek, Alaska, which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the one passenger aboard, the pilot's daughter, reported no injuries. The Title 14, CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The intended destination was Talkeetna, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on June 18 at 1330, the pilot related she was attempting to takeoff from a narrow, private airstrip known locally as Roy's Airstrip. She said the airstrip is closely bordered by willows and other small trees. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left, and collided with brush. The pilot said the collision pulled the airplane further off the runway, and deeper into the brush. She said there were no preaccident mechanical difficulties with the airplane, and that the cause of the accident was "...pilot error; I didn't use enough right rudder, and the torque got me." According to the pilot, the left wing's rear lift strut was damaged and needed replacement, and both wings were dented, with possible damage to internal wing ribs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportRoy'S Strip (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length1000 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-160
Tail NumberN3684Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
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 43 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data