N8127D

On September 25, 2001, about 1630 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Piper PA-22 airplane, N8127D, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the Tatitna Airstrip, located about 40 miles northwest of Skwentna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the accident site about 1625.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on September 27, the pilot reported that just after takeoff, about 150 feet above the ground, all engine power was lost. He said that emergency engine procedures did not restore engine power, and he selected a forced landing area that contained trees. The airplane collided with the trees, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

The airplane was retrieved from the accident site and transported to Wasilla, Alaska. On October 15, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector, Anchorage Flight Standards District Office, examined the airplane and reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies noted.