Casualties unknown

Pilot Avoids Truck, Strikes Cabin During Wet Tundra Takeoff (N59645)

Naknek, AK, US

On October 2, 2000, a Piper PA-18-160 (registration N59645) was involved in an aviation accident near Naknek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. Factors associated with the accident were wet and soft terrain. 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's takeoff on a 700-foot wet tundra airstrip ended in a collision with a cabin after turning to avoid a parked truck, causing substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A certificated commercial pilot initiated a southeasterly takeoff run on a 700-foot-long airstrip. The pilot reported that the airplane's acceleration was slow due to the wet, tundra-covered terrain.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane neared the end of the airstrip just before becoming airborne, the pilot turned the airplane to the left to avoid striking a truck parked at the end of the airstrip. During this maneuver, the left wing struck a cabin located at the end of the airstrip.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage as a result of the collision.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22092. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.