N99PJ

On May 23, 1994, at approximately 1200 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18-150, N99PJ, collided with terrain during a takeoff attempt at Upper Olds Creek strip, near Pilot Point, Alaska. The private pilot, a certified Alaska big- game guide, was the sole occupant and was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the local flight for business purposes. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

The pilot told the NTSB that he had landed at the strip to check on four client hunters. During a solo takeoff, a cross wind "picked up the planes wing" and the plane pivoted about its left wing. The event resulted in the separation of the plane's left main wheel mount, and substantial damage to the plane's left wing and rudder.

In a statement (attached) the pilot said that during the takeoff run, a small bump in the runway and a left cross wind brought the airplane's left wing up and the aircraft became uncontrollable despite aileron and rudder input in the opposite direction.