Casualties unknown

Air Taxi Takeoff Accident on Tundra Bench Due to Wind Gust (N4882P)

Ekwok, AK, US

On October 7, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4882P) was involved in an aviation accident near Ekwok, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition. A factor in the accident was a crosswind. 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

Airline transport pilot on an air taxi flight encountered strong wind during takeoff from a tundra bench. The left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to strike the ground and slide into a creek bed, damaging the right wing, fuselage, and empennage.

Accident Overview

An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting an air taxi flight from a remote, tundra-covered bench. The takeoff roll was initiated toward the north. As the aircraft became airborne, a strong wind from the left front lifted the left wing. This resulted in the right main landing gear tire and the right wing striking the ground, causing the airplane to pivot to the right.

Sequence of Events

After the right wing and tire contacted the ground, the aircraft continued pivoting and subsequently went over the edge of the bench. The aircraft came to rest in a creek bed below. The pilot reported that wind conditions at the time were approximately 300 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots.

Damage Assessment

The accident sequence caused damage to the right wing, fuselage, and empennage. The specific extent of the damage was not detailed beyond these structural components.

Pilot Statement

The pilot attributed the event to a strong wind from the left front that occurred just as the airplane became airborne. No other causal factors were mentioned in the pilot's account.

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.