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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 17, 2006 · Piper PA-18 · N6195D

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N6195D
Operator
Ruth E Higdon
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC06CA046

The private certificated pilot was departing toward the south from a snow-covered private airstrip on a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during the initial climb, a crosswind from the east blew the airplane into a stand of trees located along the right side of the airstrip. The airplane collided with trees, and became lodged in branches, about 40 feet above the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated that the wind condition was variable at less than 5 knots, and there were no wind gusts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The private certificated pilot was departing toward the south from a snow-covered private airstrip on a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during the initial climb, a crosswind from the east blew the airplane into a stand of trees located along the right side of the airstrip. The airplane collided with trees, and became lodged in branches, about 40 feet above the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated that the wind condition was variable at less than 5 knots, and there were no wind gusts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportCarls Landing (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN6195D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRuth E Higdon
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data