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Tailwheel Airplane Struck Wing During Crosswind Takeoff (N39302)

King Salmon, AK, US

On August 7, 2007, a Piper PA-18 (registration N39302) operated by William H. Woodin was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and an on-ground encounter with terrain. A factor in the accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot's tailwheel airplane struck its right wing on the ground during a crosswind takeoff from an off-airport site, resulting in structural damage to the wing and empennage.

Accident Description

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The departure was from an off-airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported a left crosswind during the northwesterly takeoff roll.

Event Sequence

During the takeoff roll, the airplane's left wing lifted, causing the right wing to strike the ground. This action pivoted the airplane to the right. The airplane sustained structural damage to the right wing and empennage as a result of the ground contact.

Pilot Report

The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. No further details regarding the pilot's actions or environmental conditions were provided in the source.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in structural damage to the right wing and empennage. The extent of damage to other components was not specified.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 2007 Piper PA-18 accident near King Salmon, AK?

A commercial pilot's tailwheel airplane struck its right wing on the ground during a crosswind takeoff from an off-airport site, resulting in structural damage to the wing and empennage.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 2007 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 2007 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N39302, operated by William H. Woodin, at King Salmon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and an on-ground encounter with terrain. A factor in the accident was a crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071025X01660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.