Aviation Accident Summary ANC89LA163

WOOD RIVER, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N4099E

PIPER PA-18

Analysis

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS TAKING OFF FROM A 900' STRIP WHICH HAD AN ELEVATION OF 2000'. HE STATED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST AND WOULD NOT OUT-CLIMB THE TREETOPS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING HIT A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 60' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE VARIABLE AT 20 GUSTING 40 KTS.

Probable Cause and Findings

INNADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. THE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND TREES WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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