On 18 Sep 2008, a PIPER PA-18 operated by Martin T. Anzelini was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. A Factor contributing to the accident was a short, rough and uneven takeoff site. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot's takeoff from a 500-foot rough off-airport strip ended when the aircraft failed to reach flying speed, lifted off briefly, then mushed into brush-covered terrain, substantially damaging wings and fuselage.
Accident Details
A private pilot was attempting to depart from a 500-foot-long off-airport site characterized as rough and uneven. According to the pilot's written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft did not achieve flying speed during the takeoff roll. The airplane initially lifted off at the end of the strip but subsequently mushed into an area of brush-covered terrain beyond the airstrip.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both the wings and the fuselage of the aircraft. The extent of the damage indicates a forceful impact with the terrain.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, suggesting the issue was related to the takeoff conditions or performance rather than a systems failure. The statement noted that the aircraft failed to reach flying speed, which led to the loss of lift and subsequent collision with the brush-covered terrain.