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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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NTSB Report

June 25, 2014 · Piper PA 18 · N72842

Cantwell, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cantwell, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 18 (1950)
Tail Number
N72842
Operator
Sluice Box
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC14CA047

The pilot was taking off from a gravel bar in a tailwheel-equipped airplane with a load of light, bulky cargo items. The gravel bar was in a valley location surrounded by mountainous terrain. He said that the wind indicators along the strip favored the takeoff direction, which was the same direction he had used for landing earlier. He stated that all felt normal during the takeoff roll, but the airplane encountered "a gust from behind or above" upon rotation. The airplane subsequently settled back to the surface and struck brush near the end of strip, turned, and came to a stop across a small ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the aft section of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, right after the accident, he observed that the wind became very gusty to about 20 mph. He noted that the wind condition returned to light and variable in less than an hour.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's encounter with a wind gust during takeoff from a short gravel bar, which resulted in the airplane settling after rotation and striking obstacles.

Full Narrative

The pilot was taking off from a gravel bar in a tailwheel-equipped airplane with a load of light, bulky cargo items. The gravel bar was in a valley location surrounded by mountainous terrain. He said that the wind indicators along the strip favored the takeoff direction, which was the same direction he had used for landing earlier. He stated that all felt normal during the takeoff roll, but the airplane encountered "a gust from behind or above" upon rotation. The airplane subsequently settled back to the surface and struck brush near the end of strip, turned, and came to a stop across a small ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the aft section of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, right after the accident, he observed that the wind became very gusty to about 20 mph. He noted that the wind condition returned to light and variable in less than an hour.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 18
Tail NumberN72842
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSluice Box
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 52
Altimeter29.64 inHg
Observation Time18:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data