Summary
On May 10, 2012, a Piper PA-18-150 (N999JV) was involved in an incident near Gakona, 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 in variable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane striking an object after takeoff.
The pilot was departing from a remote, 800-foot long gravel-covered airstrip, in variable wind conditions. He said that during his southerly takeoff roll, just before liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. As the airplane became airborne, he felt a "bump" but he noted no control or vibration problems. After an uneventful landing at his destination airport, an inspection revealed substantial damage to the lower portion of the airplane's rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC12CA037. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N999JV.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s decision to take off in variable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane striking an object after takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot was departing from a remote, 800-foot long gravel-covered airstrip, in variable wind conditions. He said that during his southerly takeoff roll, just before liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. As the airplane became airborne, he felt a "bump" but he noted no control or vibration problems. After an uneventful landing at his destination airport, an inspection revealed substantial damage to the lower portion of the airplane's rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA037