No fatalities

18 Aug 2011: PIPER PA-20 — RANDY F. STAHL — Tyonek, AK

Tyonek, AK, United States

On 18 Aug 2011, a PIPER PA-20 operated by RANDY F. STAHL was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s decision to take off toward a hill with a gusting tailwind. Contributing was the pilot's premature rotation that prevented the airplane from climbing over the hill. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and passenger experienced a tailwind gust after takeoff from a remote downhill site, causing the airplane to strike a hill and nose over, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Details

The student pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was departing from a remote off-airport site. The takeoff was conducted downhill with a light and variable tailwind. Shortly after lift-off, the pilot reported that a tailwind gust prevented the airplane from climbing. The main landing gear wheels subsequently struck a hill located at the departure end of the site. The impact caused the airplane to nose over.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage of the aircraft. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot attributed the event solely to the tailwind gust encountered during the departure.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome