Accident Overview
On November 3, 2009, at approximately 1600 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-18-160 airplane, registration N1042A, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a gravel bar located about 40 miles southeast of Palmer, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on November 10, 2009, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear tire struck a rock. This impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse. Subsequently, the left wing contacted the ground, resulting in structural damage to the wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot did not submit the requested NTSB accident report form.
Aftermath
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically to the left wing and landing gear. No further details regarding the extent of damage or any other involvement were provided in the source.