Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation/planning, and his improper in flight decision making. Factors associated with the accident are the gusty crosswinds and associated turbulence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 12, 1995, about 1000 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Piper PA-11, N4589M, collided with trees during an aborted takeoff at the Delta Junction airport, Delta Junction, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The pilot reported that he was departing runway 13 and had just lifted off the ground. As the airplane crossed the intersection of runway 08, the pilot encountered severe turbulence and decided to abort the takeoff. The airplane collided with several trees about 15 feet above the ground, about 700 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane received damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot indicated that the weather conditions at the time were: Sky condition and ceiling, 3,000 feet overcast; visibility, 30 miles; temperature, 0 degrees F; wind, 090 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
The pilot wrote in his report to the NTSB, under the heading: Recommendation (How Could This Accident Been Prevented): "Waiting for lighter winds or sufficient snow cover to utilize the airstrip pointed into the wind."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC96LA022