FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tailwheel Aircraft Strikes Log During Crosswind Takeoff (N2941M)

Tyonek, AK, US

On August 17, 2003, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2941M) was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and maintain aircraft control during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control and in-flight collision with 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane collided with a log hidden in brush after a gust of wind caused a loss of control during takeoff from an off-airport site with a left crosswind.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while taking off in a tailwheel airplane from an off-airport site, a direct left crosswind of approximately 12 knots was present. Shortly after liftoff, a gust of wind pushed the airplane sideways and downward. The pilot indicated an inability to control or stop the descent, resulting in a collision with a log concealed in brush.

Aircraft Damage

The impact caused structural damage to the fuselage and elevator of the airplane.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, the gust occurred immediately after becoming airborne, and despite control inputs, the descent could not be arrested. The log was not visible due to the brush, contributing to the collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 2003 Piper PA-12 accident near Tyonek, AK?

A tailwheel airplane collided with a log hidden in brush after a gust of wind caused a loss of control during takeoff from an off-airport site with a left crosswind.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 2003 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 2003 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2941M, at Tyonek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and maintain aircraft control during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control and in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are a crosswind and wind gusts.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030818X01349. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.