On October 3, 1988, a Piper PA-22 (registration N3421A) was involved in an aviation accident near Healy Lake, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot and passenger attempted departure from a dirt strip surrounded by trees. After climbing above treetops, the aircraft began hitting tree tops. Witnesses reported winds from south-southeast at 35 knots gusting to 40 knots.
Departure Attempt
A student pilot and a non-rated passenger attempted to depart from a dirt airstrip surrounded by trees. The student pilot had waited for more favorable wind conditions before initiating the takeoff.
Passenger Account
According to the passenger, after becoming airborne and climbing slightly above the treetops, the aircraft felt like it was in an elevator and subsequently began to hit the tops of the trees.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground reported that the winds were out of the south-southeast at 35 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots at the time of the event.
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