Casualties unknown

Pilot loses control during takeoff at abandoned fish cannery strip (N9727P)

Naknek, AK, US

On June 5, 1991, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9727P) operated by Craig C. Coggins was involved in an aviation accident near Naknek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of directional control due to veering to avoid a bump during takeoff, resulting in a ground loop and subsequent damage to both wings. 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 veered left to avoid a bump on an old fish cannery strip, causing the left wing to strike trees and leading to a ground loop. The right wing subsequently hit the ground.

What happened

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he encountered a significant bump in the runway surface. To avoid running over this obstacle, he steered the aircraft to the left. This maneuver caused the left wing to strike a cluster of small trees. The impact resulted in a loss of directional control, leading the airplane to ground loop. Following the ground loop, the right wing struck the ground.

The investigation

The takeoff occurred on an old abandoned fish cannery strip. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.

Probable cause

Loss of directional control due to veering to avoid a bump during takeoff, resulting in a ground loop and subsequent damage to both wings.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17141. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.