No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Snow Berm During Takeoff Roll (N91399)

Anchorage, AK, US

On November 20, 2005, a Cessna 180H (registration N91399) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane encountering a snow berm, and nosing over. A factor associated with the accident was the snow berm. 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 private pilot lost directional control during takeoff in a tailwheel airplane, veering left into a snow berm and nosing over. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

A solo private pilot was conducting touch-and-go landing practice in a tailwheel-equipped airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 91. During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot reported a left crosswind of 5 knots. As the airplane accelerated, it began to veer to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently collided with a snow berm on the left side of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were known to exist with the airplane prior to the accident. The wind conditions were described as from the left at 5 knots.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the right wing, vertical stabilizer, and propeller. No other damage was mentioned.

Circumstances

The accident occurred during a routine training flight intended to practice takeoffs and landings. The pilot was the sole occupant. The specific aircraft type, registration, date, location, and time of day were not detailed in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 2005 Cessna 180H accident near Anchorage, AK?

A private pilot lost directional control during takeoff in a tailwheel airplane, veering left into a snow berm and nosing over. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Nov 2005 Cessna 180H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 2005 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N91399, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane encountering a snow berm, and nosing over. A factor associated with the accident was the snow berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051215X01974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.