Casualties unknown

Aircraft Flips Over After Gear Separation During Gusty Takeoff (N54247)

Near King Salmo, AK, US

On October 4, 1982, a Piper PA-18 (registration N54247) operated by Judy A. And Curtis C. Classen was involved in an aviation accident near Near King Salmo, 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

During takeoff with a right quartering headwind, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to move sideways and down, leading to right main gear separation and nose strike, resulting in a flip-over and small engine fire that the pilot extinguished.

Incident Summary

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the takeoff phase. The pilot reported that the takeoff was initiated with a right quartering headwind. As the aircraft lifted off, a gust of wind was encountered, causing the aircraft to move sideward and downward. Subsequently, the right main landing gear contacted the ground and separated from the aircraft. The nose then struck the ground, and the aircraft bounced and flipped over. A small fire erupted in the engine compartment, but the pilot extinguished it using the aircraft's fire extinguisher.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that the takeoff began under conditions of a right quartering headwind. Upon liftoff, a gust of wind affected the aircraft's trajectory, resulting in a sideways and downward movement. This movement caused the right main gear to strike the runway surface, leading to its separation. Following the gear separation, the nose of the aircraft impacted the ground. The aircraft then bounced and ultimately flipped over onto its back.

Post-Incident Actions

After the aircraft came to rest, a small fire started in the engine compartment. The pilot was able to extinguish the fire using the aircraft's built-in fire extinguisher. No further details were provided regarding the outcome of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04227. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.