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NTSB Report
September 11, 1989 · Piper PA-18 · N4099E
Wood River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wood River, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N4099E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA163
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS TAKING OFF FROM A 900' STRIP WHICH HAD AN ELEVATION OF 2000'. HE STATED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST AND WOULD NOT OUT-CLIMB THE TREETOPS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING HIT A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 60' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE VARIABLE AT 20 GUSTING 40 KTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
INNADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. THE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND TREES WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS TAKING OFF FROM A 900' STRIP WHICH HAD AN ELEVATION OF 2000'. HE STATED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST AND WOULD NOT OUT-CLIMB THE TREETOPS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING HIT A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 60' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE VARIABLE AT 20 GUSTING 40 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportHunting Strip (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length900 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN4099E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility75 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 41 C
Altimeter0