No fatalities

17 Sep 2009: PIPER PA-18-180 — KIM B WRIGHT — Tok, AK

Tok, AK, United States

On 17 Sep 2009, a PIPER PA-18-180 operated by KIM B WRIGHT was involved in an aviation accident near Tok, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose over during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that his airplane failed to become airborne during takeoff from a rough dirt site, struck a water pool, and nosed over, causing substantial damage. The pilot noted the load of Caribou meat was not weighed.

Accident Overview

A pilot conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 departed from a rough, 700-foot-long dirt-covered off-airport site. The airplane was carrying a load of Caribou meat. According to the pilot's report, during the takeoff roll the airplane did not become airborne before reaching the end of the site. At the departure end, the main wheels struck a pool of water, causing the airplane to nose over.

Damage

The nose-over resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Observations

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his report to the NTSB, the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had weighed the meat before takeoff.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeCapability exceeded