2007-09-23: Piper J3 — Donald J. Pohland — Tyonek, AK

Casualties unknown • Tyonek, AK, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The private certificated pilot was departing toward the east from a remote airstrip on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, local area flight. The airstrip was about 600 feet long and about 15 feet wide. 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. The airplane pulled to the left and departed the left edge of the airstrip, collided with high brush, and overturned. The airplane received structural damage to the left wing spar and the right wing lift strut.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-09-23 Piper J3 accident near Tyonek, AK?

The private certificated pilot was departing toward the east from a remote airstrip on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, local area flight. The airstrip was about 600 feet long and about 15 feet wide. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane's left main landing gear tire encountered soft conditions along…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-09-23 involved a Piper J3, registration N5050R, operated by Donald J. Pohland, at Tyonek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.

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