Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS INCLUDE GUSTY CROSSWINDS, AND A FENCE NEAR THE POINT OF TAKEOFF.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 5, 1994, approximately 0930 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Piper PA-18, N4509Y, impacted a fence during a takeoff from an open field near Culbertson, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The FAR Part 91 business flight, which was departing for Wolf Point Airport, Wolf Point, Montana, was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation.
According to the pilot, his takeoff roll, which was being attempted in gusty crosswinds, was parallel to a fence which ran along the edge of an open field from which he was departing. Because of the crosswind, the pilot was holding the right wing down during the takeoff roll. After being hit by a strong gust just as the aircraft lifted off, the pilot failed to roll wings-level soon enough to keep the aircraft from making a right turn into the fence.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA140