Accident Overview
On September 15, 2009, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-12 airplane, registration N2594M, sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees during takeoff from a gravel-covered, remote off-airport site located about 35 miles northeast of Lime Village, Alaska. The airplane was operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The aircraft was owned and operated by Magnuson Airways, LLC, based in McGrath, Alaska. The commercial pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Flight Details
The accident flight involved shuttling a group of hunters and their gear to another off-airport site. Before departure, the pilot assessed wind conditions and determined a slight westerly wind between 5 and 10 knots, requiring a correction for a quartering right crosswind during the takeoff run.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff run, as the airplane accelerated, it began to turn sharply to the right, heading toward a stand of trees. The right wing struck the trees, causing the airplane to pivot right and subsequently nose over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident inspection revealed that the passenger, who was seated in the rear of the airplane, inadvertently stepped on the right rear-mounted dual brake pedal as the pilot began the takeoff run. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot recommended either removing or covering the rear-mounted dual brake pedals to prevent similar incidents.