On September 22, 1984, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N8028K) was involved in an aviation accident near Cairn Mountain, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after takeoff, which resulted in the tail striking tundra and the aircraft descending below the ridgeline. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from a remote airstrip when the pilot lost control and the tail struck tundra, causing the plane to descend into trees below the ridgeline.
What happened
The aircraft crashed while attempting to depart from a remote airstrip. Prior to initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot conducted a visual inspection of the runway surface on foot. Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft began to drift to the left. The pilot was unable to execute a corrective maneuver in time. Consequently, the tail section of the aircraft struck tundra vegetation. This impact caused significant deceleration as the aircraft descended below the ridgeline and entered an area of small trees.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of directional control during the initial climb phase. The pilot's inability to correct the leftward drift resulted in a tail strike with the ground surface, leading to the subsequent descent into terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after takeoff, which resulted in the tail striking tundra and the aircraft descending below the ridgeline.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Sept 1984 Stinson 108-2 accident near Cairn Mountain, AK?
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from a remote airstrip when the pilot lost control and the tail struck tundra, causing the plane to descend into trees below the ridgeline.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1984 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N8028K, at Cairn Mountain, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after takeoff, which resulted in the tail striking tundra and the aircraft descending below the ridgeline.
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