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NTSB Report
October 3, 1988 · Piper PA-22 · N3421A
Healy Lake, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Healy Lake, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N3421A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA005
AFTER WAITING FOR MORE FAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER ATTEMPTED A DEPARTURE FROM A DIRT STRIP SURROUNDED BY TREES. THE NON-RATED PASSENGER STATED THAT 'AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE AND CLIMBING SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE TREETOPS, IT FELT LIKE I WAS IN AN ELEVATOR AND THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO HIT THE TOPS OF THE TREES...'. WITNESSES INDICATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 35 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 40 KNOTS.
Full Narrative
AFTER WAITING FOR MORE FAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER ATTEMPTED A DEPARTURE FROM A DIRT STRIP SURROUNDED BY TREES. THE NON-RATED PASSENGER STATED THAT 'AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE AND CLIMBING SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE TREETOPS, IT FELT LIKE I WAS IN AN ELEVATOR AND THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO HIT THE TOPS OF THE TREES...'. WITNESSES INDICATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 35 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 40 KNOTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:40 AKDT
Nearest AirportHealy Lake (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN3421A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 35 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT