Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Dip During Takeoff on Gravel Road, Spins After Power Loss (N2621K)

Breckenridge, CO, US

On September 9, 1983, a Piper PA-18 (registration N2621K) operated by Roland A. Jones was involved in an aviation accident near Breckenridge, CO. 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

Pilot, prohibited from takeoff at closed private airport, used adjacent gravel haul road. Aircraft hit a dip during takeoff, lifted off, experienced power loss, then struck nose and spun 270 degrees. Investigation found no preimpact malfunction.

Incident Details

After landing on a private airport that was closed to public use, the pilot was prohibited from using it to take off again. The pilot received permission from the owner of a gravel plant to use a haul road located next to the airport. The road had an elevation of approximately 9,400 ft. The pilot taxied off the airport and onto the gravel plant road.

During the takeoff roll, the pilot lowered the tail as the aircraft approached lift-off speed. At that time, the aircraft hit a rolling dip in the road and lifted off to an altitude of about 15 to 20 ft above ground level. The aircraft then rolled into a shallow right turn. According to the pilot, a power loss occurred at that moment. The pilot leveled the wings and applied full flaps in an attempt to continue flying. Subsequently, the aircraft struck on its nose and spun 270 degrees to the left.

Investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor heat was on and the mixture was at full rich. However, no evidence of a preimpact malfunction was found. The density altitude was estimated to be about 10,500 ft.

Probable Cause

The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44510. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.