On August 31, 2001, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3416M) operated by Mary J. Becker was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff run. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot aborted takeoff on a gravel airstrip after the left main gear tire hit a rut, causing a left veer. The aircraft departed the runway and struck a stack of logs, collapsing both main landing gear and damaging the propeller, fuselage, wings, and lift struts.
Event Details
A private certificated pilot began a takeoff roll on runway 36 at a private airstrip. The airstrip features a gravel surface runway measuring 4,700 feet in length and 75 feet in width. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear tire encountered a rut in the runway surface. This caused the airplane to veer to the left. As the airplane began to depart the left side of the airstrip, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. Despite the abort, the airplane continued moving left and subsequently collided with a stack of cut wood logs.
Damage
The collision resulted in the collapse of both main landing gear. Additionally, the airplane sustained damage to the propeller, fuselage, wings, and wing lift struts.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot indicated that the wind was from 070 degrees at 8 knots at the time of the incident.