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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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September 2, 1999 · Piper PA-18 · N9130D

Cordova, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cordova, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N9130D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC99LA136

During takeoff from an off airport river bank on a flight to spot moose, the airplane's left wingtip contacted tall brush. The airplane spun around, and the right wing and right main landing gear attachment sustained substantial damage. The private pilot said the winds were light and variable. He indicated to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he had landed and taken off from the same site on previous occasions, but failed to avoid contacting the brush during this takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to avoid obstructions during takeoff. A factor associated with this accident was the high brush along the river bank.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 1999, about 2030 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N9130D, sustained substantial damage when it contacted brush during the takeoff roll from a riverbank on Clear Creek, at 60 degrees 32 minutes north latitude, 144 degrees 46 minutes west longitude, about 38 miles east of Cordova, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight to spot moose. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot told the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) during a telephone interview on September 13, and in his Pilot/Operator report, that during the takeoff roll, the left wing contacted brush located on the edge of the river, and the airplane spun around. The right wing sustained substantial damage, and the right main landing gear collapsed. He indicated the winds were light and variable. The pilot said he had operated from the same area previously, but did not avoid striking willows during this takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN9130D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · C-90 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingOvercast 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data