Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Snow and Willows During Takeoff from Montague Island (N28582)

Montague Island, AK, US

On April 11, 1982, a Piper PA-32 (registration N28582) operated by Harbor Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Montague Island, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a small strip at McLeod Harbor, Montague Island, Alaska, the aircraft's right gear encountered a soft spot during rotation. The pilot continued, and the aircraft mushed into snow and willows beyond a dry river bed.

Accident Overview

An aircraft taking off from a small airstrip at McLeod Harbor on Montague Island, Alaska, collided with snow and willows beyond the departure end of the strip. The incident occurred during a takeoff attempt from the remote location.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that just as he started to rotate the aircraft for takeoff, the right gear encountered a soft spot. At that point, he felt it was too late to abort the takeoff, as doing so would cause the aircraft to run into a dry river bed. Instead, the plane mushed into the snow and willows beyond the river bed. No further details were provided in the report.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to rest in the snow and willows. The extent of damage, if any, was not specified. The pilot did not mention any injuries or other consequences.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01643. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.