Summary
On August 24, 2013, a Piper PA-18A (N3599A) was involved in an accident near Talkeetna, AK. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
The pilot reported that during takeoff, as the tailwheel-equipped airplane lifted off of the ground, the left wing lifted, and despite his control inputs, it drifted to the right. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees on the right side of the runway, which resulted in structural damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot added that at the time of takeoff, a 10 to 15 knot left crosswind was present. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC13CA083. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3599A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff, as the tailwheel-equipped airplane lifted off of the ground, the left wing lifted, and despite his control inputs, it drifted to the right. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees on the right side of the runway, which resulted in structural damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot added that at the time of takeoff, a 10 to 15 knot left crosswind was present. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC13CA083