Casualties unknown

Aircraft veers off runway during takeoff and strikes vegetation (N1476C)

Delta Junction, AK, US

On July 1, 1991, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N1476C) operated by Jerry Jacques was involved in an aviation accident near Delta Junction, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft striking high vegetation. 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

During a takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control after negotiating a curve in the runway, causing the aircraft to strike high vegetation despite corrective pedal inputs.

What happened

The pilot-in-command initiated the takeoff roll toward the east. During the acceleration phase, the aircraft encountered a dog leg in the runway that required a right turn of approximately 10 to 15 degrees. The pilot successfully navigated this initial curve but subsequently lost directional control. Despite applying pedal corrections, the airplane continued to veer to the right until it struck high vegetation adjacent to the runway.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance during the takeoff roll and the pilot's response to the runway geometry. Examination of the event revealed that while the initial turn was negotiated, the aircraft failed to maintain the desired track. The pilot's attempts to correct the deviation using rudder inputs were insufficient to prevent the aircraft from leaving the paved surface.

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing factors included the specific geometry of the runway, which required a significant turn immediately after the start of the takeoff run. The pilot's inability to maintain alignment with the extended centerline resulted in the aircraft impacting vegetation. No mechanical failures were reported that would have impeded normal steering capabilities.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft striking high vegetation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17159. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.