Casualties unknown

Aborted Takeoff After Wind Shift Ends in Stump Strike on Gravel Strip (N83381)

Kiana Creek, AK, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29288. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.