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NTSB Report
September 6, 1988 · Piper PA-18 · N234E
Oshetna River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Oshetna River, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N234E
Operator
Borders Glenn A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC88LA129
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM AN EXTREMELY NARROW AND SHORT STRETCH OF LAND SITUATED NEAR A RIVER. HE HAD USED THIS OFF-AIRPORT, UNIMPROVED SITE FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY UNTIL THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. ON THIS OCCASION, THE AIRPLANE HIT A BUMP, BECAME PREMATURELY AIRBORNE AND BOUNCED HARD ON THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR. THE GEAR COLLAPSED, AND THE AIRPLANE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING. THE PILOT SAID THAT THE ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD HE ELECTED TO WAIT FOR A HEAD WIND PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM AN EXTREMELY NARROW AND SHORT STRETCH OF LAND SITUATED NEAR A RIVER. HE HAD USED THIS OFF-AIRPORT, UNIMPROVED SITE FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY UNTIL THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. ON THIS OCCASION, THE AIRPLANE HIT A BUMP, BECAME PREMATURELY AIRBORNE AND BOUNCED HARD ON THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR. THE GEAR COLLAPSED, AND THE AIRPLANE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING. THE PILOT SAID THAT THE ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD HE ELECTED TO WAIT FOR A HEAD WIND PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length700 ft
Runway Width10 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN234E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBorders Glenn A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO