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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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May 24, 1982 · Piper PA-28-140 · N55038

Portage Creek, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1982
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Location
Portage Creek, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N55038
Operator
Dan Pauk
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC82DA041

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ENCOUNTED A DOWNDRAFT AND THE PLANE STALLED AND HIT THE GROUND DURING TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST WITH A BROKEN NOSE GEAR, BENT PROPELLER, BROKEN ENGINE MOUNT, AND A BROKEN STROBE LIGHT. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE WIND WAS FROM THE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 10 KNOTS. ALSO, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TERRAIN AROUND THE AIRPORT WAS FLAT WITH NO HILLS OR RISING TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ENCOUNTED A DOWNDRAFT AND THE PLANE STALLED AND HIT THE GROUND DURING TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST WITH A BROKEN NOSE GEAR, BENT PROPELLER, BROKEN ENGINE MOUNT, AND A BROKEN STROBE LIGHT. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE WIND WAS FROM THE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 10 KNOTS. ALSO, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TERRAIN AROUND THE AIRPORT WAS FLAT WITH NO HILLS OR RISING TERRAIN.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 AHDT
Nearest AirportPortage Creek (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length1900 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN55038
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDan Pauk
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured2
Total4
Crew 1Age 22 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind315° @ 10 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg

Appendix: Source Data