Summary
On September 23, 2011, a Piper PA-12 (N78564) was involved in an incident near Beluga, AK. All 2 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 take off uphill into rising terrain.
The pilot elected to takeoff from the remote site uphill, due to a light wind coming down the slope. During the takeoff roll, he said the airplane hit a bump, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane was unable to out climb the rising terrain and vegetation. The main landing gear encountered high vegetation, the airplane slowed, impacted terrain, and nosed over.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC11CA106. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N78564.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to take off uphill into rising terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot elected to takeoff from the remote site uphill, due to a light wind coming down the slope. During the takeoff roll, he said the airplane hit a bump, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane was unable to out climb the rising terrain and vegetation. The main landing gear encountered high vegetation, the airplane slowed, impacted terrain, and nosed over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA106