N82566

Substantial
None

Piper PA18S/N: 18-7909008

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
NTSB Number
ANC20CA076
Location
Wasilla, AK
Event ID
20200805X33330
Coordinates
61.571945, -149.539443
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7909008
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LOW JAMES E
Address
142 FROG POND CIR
City
FAIRBANKS
State / Zip Code
AK 99712-1244
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was departing an asphalt surfaced runway in his tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane in crosswind conditions. During the departure roll, and just as the airplane began to lift off the airplane yawed to the left. In an effort to correct for they yaw, he applied right rudder. The right main tire contacted the runway's surface and the airplane veered to the right. He applied left rudder and brake to correct for the veer to no avail. The airplane continued a slow right turn exited the runway and impacted trees sustaining substantial damage to the left wing struts. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had utilized a gravel surfaced runway.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA076