Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion and Fire Following Aborted Takeoff on Soft Runway (N9304K)

Akiachak, AK, US

On April 8, 1982, a Piper PA-32 (registration N9304K) operated by Bobby D. Coopchiak was involved in an aviation accident near Akiachak, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a soft runway with a left quartering crosswind, the pilot aborted due to insufficient speed. The aircraft overran the runway, causing the right main landing gear to break through thin ice and separate. A fire started from a broken navigation light spark.

Incident Overview

The pilot initiated takeoff on a soft runway with a left quartering crosswind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported being unable to attain sufficient speed on the soft mud for a safe takeoff and subsequently decided to abort the takeoff by cutting power. However, the aircraft could not stop on the remaining runway length and continued off the end.

Sequence of Events

After exiting the runway, the right main landing gear broke through thin ice and separated from the aircraft. The right wing sustained damage, and a fire began. The source of the fire was a spark from a broken navigation light. A fire extinguisher was used to suppress the flames, but after the extinguisher was exhausted, the fire reignited.

Aircraft Damage

The right main landing gear separated, and the right wing was damaged. The fire consumed the extinguishing agent and continued after the extinguisher was depleted. No further details about the extent of damage or the aircraft's condition beyond these observations are provided in the source.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 1982 Piper PA-32 accident near Akiachak, AK?

During takeoff on a soft runway with a left quartering crosswind, the pilot aborted due to insufficient speed. The aircraft overran the runway, causing the right main landing gear to break through thin ice and separate. A fire started from a broken navigation light spark.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 1982 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N9304K, operated by Bobby D. Coopchiak, at Akiachak, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01641. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.