On October 1, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N83381) was involved in an aviation accident near Kiana Creek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND THE PREMATURE LIFT-OFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION AND THE PILOT'S SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot aborted takeoff after a wind shift from headwind to tailwind pushed the tail down; the airplane overran a 900-foot gravel strip and struck a stump.
Incident Overview
The pilot, who was also the hunting guide, reported that he was anxious to relocate a hunter before the close of hunting season. He was attempting to take off from a remote 900-foot gravel strip.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after becoming airborne, the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind, and a gust of wind pushed the tail down. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff. However, he was unable to stop the airplane before it ran off the end of the strip and struck a stump.
Pilot Report
The pilot attributed the aborted takeoff to the wind shift and gust that pushed the tail down. No other factors were mentioned in the report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Oct 1989 Piper PA-18 accident near Kiana Creek, AK?
A private pilot aborted takeoff after a wind shift from headwind to tailwind pushed the tail down; the airplane overran a 900-foot gravel strip and struck a stump.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Oct 1989 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N83381, at Kiana Creek, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND THE PREMATURE LIFT-OFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION AND THE PILOT'S SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE.
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