Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Collides with Trees During Takeoff from One-Way Landing Area (N1907A)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On September 6, 2005, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1907A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees. 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 private pilot departing north and downhill from a 400-ft long, 15-ft wide landing area collided with spruce trees after encountering a perceived tailwind, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff from a one-way landing area oriented north/south. The area was approximately 400 feet long and 15 feet wide, situated at an elevation of about 2,000 feet msl. The departure was to the north and downhill.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, he began the takeoff roll with one notch of flaps selected. The airplane lifted off and climbed to about 40 feet above ground level. The pilot reported that he felt as if a tailwind pushed the tail downward, raising the nose. To prevent a stall, he lowered the nose and began retracting the flaps. Shortly after, the airplane collided with spruce trees approximately 200 yards from the takeoff area.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the landing gear, stabilizer, both wings, and wing lift struts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051005X01582. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.