Casualties unknown

Moose Hunting Trip Ends in Nosed Over Aircraft After Landing at Unprepared Site (N90947)

Talkeetna, AK, US

On September 22, 1987, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N90947) operated by Edward N. Rozmenoski was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff after the main landing gear struck a hole in the unprepared off-airport site. 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

A light aircraft suffered substantial damage after nosing over during takeoff from an off-airport site used for a moose hunting camp. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.

What happened

The airplane sustained substantial damage following a nose-over incident that occurred during the takeoff roll. Despite the significant physical damage to the aircraft, neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries.

According to the pilot's account, the flight involved an off-airport landing at a remote site intended for setting up a moose hunting camp. During the subsequent attempt to depart from this unprepared location, the main landing gear struck a hole in the ground surface. This impact caused the pilot to lose directional control of the aircraft, resulting in the nose-over event.

The investigation

The primary mechanical failure identified was the loss of directional control due to the main gear impacting an irregularity on the takeoff surface. No other mechanical anomalies were reported prior to the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff after the main landing gear struck a hole in the unprepared off-airport site.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31982. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.