Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Soft Ground Leading to Overturn During Takeoff (N5050R)

Tyonek, AK, US

On September 23, 2007, a Piper J3 (registration N5050R) operated by Donald J. Pohland was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in an encounter with soft terrain and a loss of control during the takeoff roll. 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
Aircraft registered N5050R
Aircraft registered N5050R. Photo: Jeroen Stroes Aviation Photography from Netherlands / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A private pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote airstrip, the left main landing gear tire encountered soft conditions, causing the airplane to veer left, depart the airstrip, collide with brush, and overturn.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot was conducting a local area flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 from a remote airstrip. The airstrip measured approximately 600 feet in length and 15 feet in width. The pilot initiated a takeoff toward the east.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane's left main landing gear tire encountered soft conditions along the left edge of the airstrip. As a result, the airplane pulled to the left and departed the left edge of the airstrip. The airplane then collided with high brush and subsequently overturned.

Damage Assessment

The accident sequence resulted in structural damage to the left wing spar and the right wing lift strut. No other damage items were specified in the source.

Pilot and Flight Details

The pilot held a private certificate and was operating under Part 91 rules. The flight was a local area flight. No further details regarding the pilot or aircraft were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071101X01700. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.