Skwentna, AK, USA
N40205
PIPER PA-18-150
Same as Factual Information
The pilot was taking off from an off-airport landing site near the top of a mountain ridge, in gusty wind conditions, in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane onto rough terrain, which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne before it had sufficient speed to maintain flight. When the airplane settled back to the ground, the main landing gear broke off, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's decision to take off from a remote, rough landing site in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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