Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes After Premature Lift-Off During Takeoff Roll (N90946)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On June 25, 1982, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N90946) operated by Karl Monetti was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

An aircraft became airborne prematurely while crossing a runway dip, then bounced and veered left, striking a windsock pole and trees before crashing.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne prematurely as it crossed over a dip in the runway. After becoming airborne, the aircraft bounced and simultaneously veered to the left, heading toward saplings located beside the runway.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that the aircraft entered a nose-high stall condition. In response, he lowered the nose and began to regain control of the aircraft.

Collision Sequence

Despite the pilot's corrective actions, the left wing struck a windsock pole. Following this impact, the aircraft veered left again, coming into contact with trees, and subsequently crashed.

Result

The aircraft crashed after contacting trees. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or occupant status are available from the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02709. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.