Casualties unknown

Pilot Noses Over Airplane During Rejected Takeoff at Remote Airstrip (N74996)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On August 21, 1998, a Piper PA-18 (registration N74996) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. Factors in the accident were a short runway area for takeoff, trees located at the end of the runway, and the pilot's excessive application of brakes. 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 commercial pilot nosed over his airplane during a rejected takeoff at a 650-foot airstrip after realizing the aircraft would not clear trees at the south end. The airplane sustained damage to propeller, tail, and fuselage.

Accident Details

A certificated commercial pilot was conducting a public use flight in a remote area to inspect a small airstrip used by hunters. The airstrip was oriented north-south and measured about 650 feet in length. During the landing, the pilot reported wind from the south at approximately 18 knots.

Sequence of Events

After completing the inspection, the pilot prepared to depart southward. Several trees, roughly 20 feet tall, were located at the southern end of the airstrip. The pilot began the takeoff roll; approximately halfway down the airstrip, he lowered the flaps. The airplane momentarily became airborne, but the pilot recognized that it would not clear the trees. He then raised the flaps and applied heavy braking as the airplane touched down again. The airplane nosed over at the end of the airstrip.

Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, tail assembly, and fuselage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10757. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.