Accident Details
On August 19, 2008, at approximately 0530 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 airplane, registration N4151T, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the takeoff area after encountering brush during the takeoff roll. The accident occurred about 27 miles southeast of Slana, Alaska.
The airplane was being operated by the State of Alaska, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage, Alaska, as a visual flight rules (VFR) public use flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The solo commercial certificated pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Pilot Report
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on August 19, a representative of the Alaska State Troopers stated that the pilot was taking off from an unimproved landing area when the airplane encountered high vegetation, causing it to veer off the takeoff area. The representative reported damage to the left wing and left lift-strut. No mechanical anomalies with the airplane were known prior to the accident.
In a written report to the NTSB dated August 22, the pilot explained that due to restricted visibility from the cockpit associated with the over-sized main landing gear tires, and obstacles on the left side of the takeoff area, he was favoring the right side. As the airplane accelerated, its right wing encountered low willow bushes, pulling the airplane to the right. He aborted the takeoff, during which the right wing and then the left wing struck trees.
Aircraft and Operations
The aircraft was a tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-18-150. The flight was conducted under public use operations. The accident site was an unimproved landing area. The pilot was the sole occupant.