Air taxi aircraft departs bench into creek bed during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Ekwok, AK, US

An air taxi flight departing a remote tundra bench experienced a wing lift event due to wind, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground and exiting the bench area.

What happened

A pilot was operating an air taxi flight departing from a remote, tundra-covered bench. During the takeoff roll toward the north, the aircraft became airborne when a strong wind from the left front caused the left wing to lift.

As a result of this lift, the right main landing gear tire and the right wing struck the ground, causing the airplane to pivot to the right. The aircraft subsequently traveled over the edge of the bench and landed in a creek bed. The pilot reported wind conditions of approximately 300 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots.

The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, empennage, and the right wing. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

A strong wind from the left front caused the left wing to lift during takeoff, leading to the right wing and landing gear striking the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-10-07 Piper PA-18 accident near Ekwok, AK?

An air taxi flight departing a remote tundra bench experienced a wing lift event due to wind, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground and exiting the bench area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-10-07 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4882P, at Ekwok, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A strong wind from the left front caused the left wing to lift during takeoff, leading to the right wing and landing gear striking the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22095. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…