Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees After Unresponsive Turn Following Lift-Off (N9104D)

Near Clear, AK, US

On September 9, 1982, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9104D) operated by Wallace W. Rochester was involved in an aviation accident near Near Clear, 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

The pilot reported an uncommanded right turn after lift-off that did not respond to full left rudder and aileron inputs, resulting in a collision with trees. Investigation found no malfunctions.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that immediately after lift-off, the aircraft began an uncommanded right turn. The pilot applied full left rudder and full left aileron inputs, but the aircraft did not respond to these control inputs. The right turn continued until the aircraft struck trees located on the right side of the runway strip.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot believed that a malfunction of the flight control system of the Cal Center conversion had occurred, causing the loss of control.

Investigation Results

During the investigation, no malfunctions were found in the aircraft's flight control system or the Cal Center conversion. The flight controls were examined and functioned normally. The aircraft had flown only six hours since the conversion was installed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04210. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.