On September 11, 2007, a Piper PA-18 (registration N82022) was involved in an aviation accident near Tok, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area and failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were soft, muddy terrain conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airline transport pilot and a hunting client departed from a soft, 900-foot mud and gravel off-airport site. The airplane struck trees during climb, causing structural damage.
Incident Summary
During a takeoff from a soft, off-airport site, an airline transport pilot and a hunting client were aboard the airplane. The departure site was a 900-foot long strip covered with mud and gravel. An area of standing water existed near the departure end of the strip.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he was able to get the airplane airborne before reaching the standing water. However, as the airplane began to climb, it struck a stand of trees at the departure end of the site.
Aircraft Damage
The collision with trees resulted in structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.