On June 2, 1997, a Piper PA-22 (registration N3602A) was involved in an aviation accident near Healy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and runway alignment. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and the proximity of a creek (ravine) to the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel airplane experienced a right wing rise during takeoff in a crosswind. Despite full right aileron, the wing continued rising, causing the aircraft to leave the runway, become airborne, stall, and descend into terrain, resulting in structural damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot was performing a takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane from a runway situated along and above a small creek. At the time of departure, a right crosswind of about 8 knots was present at the airport. During the takeoff roll, the right wing began to rise. The pilot applied full right aileron control, but this did not prevent the right wing from continuing to rise. The airplane subsequently departed off the left edge of the runway and became airborne. Shortly thereafter, the airplane stalled and descended approximately 75 feet to the ground in a near-nose-level attitude.
Damage
The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided in the source.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll on a runway adjacent to a small creek.
A right crosswind of about 8 knots was reported at the airport.
During the roll, the right wing began to lift.
Full right aileron input was insufficient to counteract the lifting wing.
The airplane veered left off the runway edge and became airborne.
It then stalled and lost altitude, contacting the ground at a near-level pitch attitude.
The events are presented as described in the official investigation source, without inference or analysis.