N4606Z

On March 31, 2001, about 1700 Alaska standard time, N4606Z, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-22-108 airplane, converted to a tailwheel configuration, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from an off airport site, about 23 miles southeast of Palmer, Alaska. The certificated private pilot, and the one passenger aboard, were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1300, from the Wasilla Airport, Wasilla, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on April 1, the pilot reported that he was departing to the west from a snow-covered 800 feet long site. He said that as he neared the end of the site, just before the airplane became airborne, the right main wheel hit a rut, and the right main landing gear collapsed. He said the airplane veered to the right, and collided with a stand of willow trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.