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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 8, 2004 · Piper PA-18A · N7094D

Trego, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Trego, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A
Tail Number
N7094D
Operator
Chance W Chacon
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA04LA101

The pilot reported that the takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, however, shortly after becoming airborne he experienced a lower than normal rate of climb. As the airplane approached the end of the field, the pilot turned to the west toward lower terrain in an effort to clear the approaching tree line. The pilot stated that after initiating the turn, the airplane collided with trees and ultimately impacted terrain in an inverted, nose-low attitude. The departure airstrip is approximately 2,000 feet in length and is bordered by large trees. The field elevation is approximately 2,800 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb.

Full Narrative

On June 8, 2004, about 0900 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18A, N7094D, was destroyed after colliding with trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from an alfalfa field/airstrip near Trego, Montana. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight under the provisions of 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries in the accident. The airplane is owned by Kasilof Fisheries, Inc, of Trego, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot's planned destination was Eureka, Montana. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board IIC on June 14, the pilot reported that the takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, however, shortly after becoming airborne he experienced a lower than normal rate of climb. As the airplane approached the end of the field, the pilot turned to the west toward lower terrain in an effort to clear the approaching tree line. The pilot stated that after initiating the turn, the airplane collided with trees and ultimately impacted terrain in an inverted, nose-low attitude. The departure airstrip is approximately 2,000 feet in length and is bordered by large trees. The field elevation is approximately 2,800 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A
Tail NumberN7094D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorChance W Chacon
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 34 C
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data