On September 22, 1998, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7689H) was involved in an aviation accident near New Stuyahok, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area and his intentional ground loop maneuver. A factor associated with the accident was trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot aborted a takeoff from a 400-foot dry lakebed in a tailwheel airplane and executed a hard right turn, causing the left wing and elevator to strike the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was attempting a southwesterly departure from a dry lakebed measuring 400 feet in length. The airplane involved was a tailwheel-equipped aircraft. During the takeoff run, the pilot realized that the airplane would not gain sufficient altitude to clear a stand of trees at the end of the lakebed. He aborted the takeoff and landed about midway on the lakebed.
Maneuver and Outcome
After landing, the pilot determined that he would be unable to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the lakebed. He elected to make a hard right turn. During the turn, the left wing and left elevator struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Sept 1998 Piper PA-12 accident near New Stuyahok, AK?
A commercial pilot aborted a takeoff from a 400-foot dry lakebed in a tailwheel airplane and executed a hard right turn, causing the left wing and elevator to strike the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 1998 Piper PA-12 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1998 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7689H, at New Stuyahok, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area and his intentional ground loop maneuver. A factor associated with the accident was trees.
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