Casualties unknown

Tailwind During Takeoff Leads to Nose-Over After Collision with Willow Bushes (N7472D)

Healy, AK, US

On September 6, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7472D) was involved in an aviation accident near Healy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a collision with vegetation and a nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind. 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 pilot departing from a narrow, downhill tundra strip with a tailwind encountered directional control issues, causing the airplane to veer left, hit willow bushes, and nose over, resulting in damage to the right wing lift struts, rudder, and right elevator.

Accident Summary

The pilot, holding an airline transport certificate, was conducting a departure from a tundra- and gravel-covered area adjacent to a creek. The takeoff surface was described as 20 feet wide by 300 feet long, incorporating a dogleg turn to the left, followed by an additional 600-foot takeoff segment. The entire takeoff area sloped downhill.

Departing toward the north, the pilot reported a tailwind of 6 to 10 knots. Approximately 100 feet past the dogleg turn to the left, the tailwind caused the tail of the airplane to be pushed to the right. Consequently, the nose of the airplane veered to the left, resulting in a collision with willow bushes. The airplane subsequently nosed over.

Damage

The accident sequence inflicted damage on the right wing lift struts, the rudder, and the right elevator.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041006X01583. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.