On July 23, 2006, a Piper PA-12 (registration N4017M) operated by Albert R. Kito was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a runway light and the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left during takeoff, departed the runway, and ground looped to the right, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing structural damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Accident Details
The private certificated pilot was departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot reported applying right rudder and right brake, but the airplane continued to turn left. It departed off the runway and ground looped to the right.
Aircraft Damage
As a result of the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck a runway edge light and the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he applied right rudder and right brake in an attempt to correct the veer, but was unable to prevent the airplane from departing the runway and ground looping.