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NTSB Report
May 28, 2020 · Piper PA18 150 · N7164B
Sterling, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Sterling, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1956)
Tail Number
N7164B
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA051
The pilot reported that he was departing a private grass airstrip that was bordered by large trees in his tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left and into trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had avoided taking off in a narrow area surrounded with obstructions in crosswind conditions.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was departing a private grass airstrip that was bordered by large trees in his tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left and into trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had avoided taking off in a narrow area surrounded with obstructions in crosswind conditions.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportPVT (0nm)
Runway360
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN7164B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2 + 1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Basc · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 32 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC