Casualties unknown

Bumpy Takeoff from Narrow Unimproved Site Results in Gear Collapse (N234E)

Oshetna River, AK, US

On September 6, 1988, a Piper PA-18 (registration N234E) operated by Borders, Glenn A. was involved in an aviation accident near Oshetna River, 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

A pilot reported that during takeoff from a narrow, short stretch of land near a river, the airplane hit a bump, became prematurely airborne, and bounced hard on the right main gear, causing it to collapse and damaging the left wing.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from an extremely narrow and short stretch of land situated near a river. He had used this off-airport, unimproved site for several years without difficulty until the accident flight.

Sequence of Events

On this occasion, the airplane hit a bump during the takeoff roll. This caused the aircraft to become prematurely airborne, after which it bounced hard on the right main landing gear. The gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane received damage to the left wing.

Pilot's Comments

After the accident, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented had he elected to wait for a headwind prior to attempting the takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26733. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.