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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

August 4, 2020 · Piper PA18 150 · N82566

Wasilla, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wasilla, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1978)
Tail Number
N82566
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA076

The pilot reported that he was departing an asphalt surfaced runway in his tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane in crosswind conditions. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to lift off the airplane yawed to the left. In an effort to correct for they yaw, he applied right rudder. The right main tire contacted the runway's surface and the airplane veered to the right. He applied left rudder and brake to correct for the veer to no avail. The airplane continued a slow right turn exited the runway and impacted trees sustaining substantial damage to the left wing struts. 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 utilized a gravel surfaced runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing an asphalt surfaced runway in his tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane in crosswind conditions. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to lift off the airplane yawed to the left. In an effort to correct for they yaw, he applied right rudder. The right main tire contacted the runway's surface and the airplane veered to the right. He applied left rudder and brake to correct for the veer to no avail. The airplane continued a slow right turn exited the runway and impacted trees sustaining substantial damage to the left wing struts. 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 utilized a gravel surfaced runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 AKDT
Nearest AirportWASILLA (0nm SE)
Runway04
Runway Length3700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN82566
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 50
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data