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Pilot Encounters Multiple Incidents During Flight After Runway Pothole Damage (N35395)

Lake George, AK, US

On May 24, 1994, a Piper J5A (registration N35395) operated by Wayne Mattingly was involved in an aviation accident near Lake George, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES DURING TAKEOFF. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE BENT GEAR LEG. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot hit a pothole during landing, damaging the right landing gear leg. He decided to fly to Anchorage, struck trees on takeoff, later found a bent elevator after landing, but deemed the plane airworthy and continued.

Incident Sequence

During a landing at a strip, the pilot encountered a pothole that caused damage to the right landing gear leg, bending it backward. Despite the damage, the pilot decided to take off and fly the airplane to Anchorage. However, during the takeoff, the airplane struck trees. The pilot continued the flight and landed at the Butte airstrip.

Upon inspection after landing at Butte, the pilot discovered that the left elevator was bent downward by 90 degrees. Despite this deformation, the pilot determined the airplane remained airworthy. He subsequently took off again and landed at the Lake Hood airstrip.

No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or any other specifics.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 May 1994 Piper J5A accident near Lake George, AK?

A pilot hit a pothole during landing, damaging the right landing gear leg. He decided to fly to Anchorage, struck trees on takeoff, later found a bent elevator after landing, but deemed the plane airworthy and continued.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 May 1994 involved a Piper J5A, registration N35395, operated by Wayne Mattingly, at Lake George, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES DURING TAKEOFF. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE BENT GEAR LEG.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.