N1181Y

Substantial
None

Piper PA-18-135S/N: 18-2144

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, November 29, 2007
NTSB Number
ANC08CA024
Location
Seward, AK
Event ID
20080116X00061
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-2144
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
PA-18-135PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-135

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MEEHLEIS MARK G
Address
11565 BARR RD
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99516-1470
Country
United States

Analysis

The private certificated pilot was taking off from a narrow, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot said he used too much rudder during takeoff, and the right wing caught in high alder brush next to the takeoff area. He said the airplane veered to the right, into the alders and small spruce trees. According to the pilot, there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the airplane sustained damage to the left wing leading edge, tip, and spar, and damage to the right wing leading edge. The left landing gear and propeller were also damaged.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC08CA024