N74996

On August 21, 1998, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N74996, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from a remote airstrip, about 35 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fairbanks, on a public use mission. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 22, 1998, at 1145, the pilot reported he was inspecting a small airstrip used by area hunters. He said the airstrip is oriented north/south, and is about 600 to 700 feet long. When he landed at the airstrip, he said the wind was from the south about 18 knots. After inspecting the airstrip, he prepared to depart toward the south. He said that several trees, about 20 feet tall, were located at the south end of the airstrip. He began to takeoff, and about halfway down the airstrip, he said he lowered the flaps. The airplane momentarily became airborne, but he recognized the airplane was not going to clear the trees. He then raised the flaps, and applied heavy braking when the airplane again touched down. The pilot said the airplane nosed over at the end of the airstrip, and received damage to the propeller, tail assembly, and the fuselage.