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NTSB Report
December 20, 2008 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4131Z
Willow, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 20, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4131Z
Operator
Macarthur Clinton W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC09CA014
The airline transport pilot was taking off from a snow-covered private airstrip in a tailwheel and ski-equipped airplane for a personal cross-country flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement dated January 5, 2009, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane's engine appeared to hesitate and possibly lose power. He said that he aborted the takeoff, but due to rough terrain he was unable to get the tail of the airplane back on the ground quickly to slow the airplane. When the airplane's tail did come down, the fuselage struck a low tree, resulting in substantial damage to the tail section.
NTSB Probable Cause
A partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which prevented the airplane from reaching takeoff airspeed, resulting in an aborted takeoff, and an on-ground collision with a tree.
Full Narrative
The airline transport pilot was taking off from a snow-covered private airstrip in a tailwheel and ski-equipped airplane for a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a written statement dated January 5, 2009, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane's engine appeared to hesitate, and possibly lose power. He said he aborted the takeoff, but due to rough terrain he was unable to get the tail of the airplane back on the ground quickly to slow the airplane. When the airplane's tail did come down, the fuselage struck a low tree, resulting in substantial damage to the tail section. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on December 21, 2008, the pilot did not mention any engine issue.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4131Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMacarthur Clinton W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Weather SourcePILO