On June 16, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8796D) was involved in an aviation accident near Nikiski, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature lift-off during the takeoff roll. The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff was a factor in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a remote area with soft terrain and high grass, a tundra tire equipped airplane momentarily became airborne before settling back, striking a stump with the right main gear and contacting the ground with the left wing, resulting in a nose-down attitude.
Incident Overview
A pilot was departing a remote landing area in an airplane equipped with tundra tires. The pilot had visited the area many times in the past.
Takeoff Area Conditions
The takeoff area was approximately 800 feet long and contained patches of grass about 3 feet high. The area also included soft terrain and standing water.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff run, the airplane became airborne momentarily and then settled back to the surface. The right main landing gear tire struck a stump, and the left wing contacted the ground. Subsequently, the airplane nosed down in the soft terrain.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Jun 1996 Piper PA-18 accident near Nikiski, AK?
During takeoff from a remote area with soft terrain and high grass, a tundra tire equipped airplane momentarily became airborne before settling back, striking a stump with the right main gear and contacting the ground with the left wing, resulting in a nose-down attitude.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N8796D, at Nikiski, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's premature lift-off during the takeoff roll. The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff was a factor in the accident.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…