Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged After Wingtip Strikes Brush During Takeoff from River Bank (N9130D)

Cordova, AK, US

On September 2, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9130D) was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid obstructions during takeoff. A factor associated with this accident was the high brush along the river bank. 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

During a moose-spotting flight, a private pilot's aircraft struck brush with its left wingtip on takeoff from a river bank, causing substantial damage to the right wing and landing gear attachment.

Accident Overview

During a takeoff from an off-airport river bank intended for a flight to spot moose, the airplane's left wingtip contacted tall brush. The contact caused the airplane to spin around, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and the right main landing gear attachment.

Pilot Account

The private pilot reported that winds were light and variable at the time of the accident. He informed the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he had previously landed and taken off from the same river bank site on other occasions. During this particular takeoff, however, he failed to avoid contacting the brush.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane, specifically to the right wing structure and the attachment point of the right main landing gear. No other damage was reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.