Casualties unknown

Takeoff Accident at Remote Unimproved Landing Site (N7459L)

Cordova, AK, US

On August 9, 1995, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7459L) was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE INTENDED TAKEOFF AREA DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: PILOT FATIGUE AND THE PROXIMITY OF ROCKS/BOULDERS TO THE TAKEOFF AREA. 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 attempted takeoff from a remote unimproved site with 300 pounds of deer meat onboard. The aircraft drifted right, hit boulders, and nosed over in brush. The pilot reported fatigue.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during an attempted takeoff from a remote, unimproved landing site, the airplane drifted off the right side of the takeoff area after becoming light on the wheels. One wheel struck boulders, slowing the airplane, which then continued off the right side and nosed over in brush.

Pilot Statements

The pilot stated that approximately 300 pounds of deer meat was loaded in the back of the airplane. He further reported feeling tired and acknowledged that he should have slept, but decided to proceed with the takeoff rather than spend the night at the remote location.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, as the airplane became light on the wheels, it drifted off the right side of the takeoff area. One of the wheels hit some boulders, which slowed the airplane. The airplane then continued off the right side and nosed over in brush.

Additional Details

No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or date was provided. The incident occurred at an unimproved landing site, with no mention of ATC involvement or weather conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04128. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.