Aircraft crash following takeoff from uneven gravel runway

Casualties unknown • Northway, AK, US

An aircraft crashed off the left side of a runway after encountering uneven terrain and a grass clump during its takeoff roll.

What happened

During a takeoff roll from a rough and uneven gravel and turf runway, the pilot encountered a grass clump and an uneven section of the runway surface. This portion of the terrain acted as a ramp, projecting the airplane into the air prematurely.

As the aircraft ascended, it veered to the left, causing the left wing to strike a tree. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft, resulting in a crash off the left side of the runway. There were no specific injury or fatality counts provided in the report.

Findings

The pilot noted that the accident could have been avoided if the airplane had been kept in a level attitude until sufficient airspeed was attained. The primary contributing factor identified was the condition of the runway surface.

Probable cause

The uneven nature of the gravel and turf runway, specifically a grass clump and a ramp-like section of terrain, caused the aircraft to rotate prematurely and lose control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-08-26 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Northway, AK?

An aircraft crashed off the left side of a runway after encountering uneven terrain and a grass clump during its takeoff roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-26 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N2683A, at Northway, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The uneven nature of the gravel and turf runway, specifically a grass clump and a ramp-like section of terrain, caused the aircraft to rotate prematurely and lose control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06411. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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