Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Incident on Remote Beach Takeoff (N8653Y)

Kodiak, AK, US

On September 13, 1994, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8653Y) operated by Hulbert, Ward A. was involved in an aviation accident near Kodiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. A CROSSWIND AND ROUGH/UNEVEN TERRAIN WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During takeoff from a rugged beach strip, a tundra tire-equipped tailwheel airplane hit a bump, turned right, and its landing gear struck a log, damaging the right gear and wing.

Incident Overview

The incident involved a tundra tire-equipped tailwheel airplane departing a remote beach landing strip. The aircraft was operating a personal cross-country flight with a pilot and passenger. The pilot reported that a crosswind of 15 knots was present and that the terrain was rough and uneven.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump and began to turn to the right. The right landing gear then struck a log. As a result, the airplane sustained damage to the right landing gear and the right wing.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that the crosswind was 15 knots and the terrain was rough and uneven. No additional details about the flight or the pilot's actions were provided.

Damage Assessment

The damage was limited to the right landing gear and right wing. The source did not specify whether the aircraft was repairable or the extent of the damage.

Probable Cause

The accident investigation source did not assign a probable cause for this incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.