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Aircraft Strikes Dirt Mound and Departs Runway During Takeoff (N721JW)

Yellow Pine, ID, US

On July 17, 2005, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N721JW) operated by Larry K. Carpenter was involved in an aviation accident near Yellow Pine, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control after the aircraft's right main gear contacted a small dirt mound during the takeoff roll at the remote grass airstrip. 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

During takeoff from a remote grass airstrip, an aircraft hit a dirt mound hidden by tall grass, veered right, and struck rocks and a tree before coming to rest.

Incident Description

During the takeoff roll at a remote grass airstrip, the aircraft's right main landing gear struck a mound of dirt created by a burrowing animal. This caused the aircraft to suddenly veer to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to correct the situation but was unable to realign the aircraft with the takeoff heading before it departed the right side of the airstrip surface.

After leaving the takeoff surface, the landing gear rolled over several large rocks nearby. Subsequently, the right wing impacted a tree located near the side of the airstrip.

Contributing Factors

The pilot did not see the dirt mound during the takeoff roll because it was hidden by tall grass and weeds. Additionally, the pilot had not walked the length of the 1,100-foot remote runway to check for obstructions prior to takeoff.

Runway Conditions

According to a note in the Idaho Airports Guide, the surface of this runway is rough and subject to ongoing deterioration. The guide also states that usage of the runway is limited to "highly experienced" mountain pilots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 2005 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Yellow Pine, ID?

During takeoff from a remote grass airstrip, an aircraft hit a dirt mound hidden by tall grass, veered right, and struck rocks and a tree before coming to rest.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 2005 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N721JW, operated by Larry K. Carpenter, at Yellow Pine, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control after the aircraft's right main gear contacted a small dirt mound during the takeoff roll at the remote grass airstrip. Factors include the pilot's failure to walk the length of the runway during his pre-flight…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050801X01128. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.