Summary
On August 25, 2011, a Piper PA-18-150 (N8491Y) was involved in an incident near Beluga Lake, AK. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's decision to takeoff with an unfavorable wind which resulted in a loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.
The pilot lost control of the airplane shortly after liftoff, when a gust of wind lifted the left wing and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane, and that the accident could have been avoided had he waited for more favorable wind conditions.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC11CA086. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8491Y.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to takeoff with an unfavorable wind which resulted in a loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot lost control of the airplane shortly after liftoff, when a gust of wind lifted the left wing and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane, and that the accident could have been avoided had he waited for more favorable wind conditions.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA086