On September 22, 1998, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7689H) was involved in an aviation accident near New Stuyahok, AK. 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.