No fatalities

Premature Takeoff from Remote Site Results in Terrain Impact

Beluga, AK, United States

On September 23, 2011, a PIPER PA-12 operated by KNUTSON TAD T was involved in an aviation accident near Beluga, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to take off uphill into rising terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted an uphill takeoff from a remote site in light down-slope winds. The aircraft became airborne prematurely after hitting a bump, failed to clear rising terrain, and impacted the ground.

Incident Overview and Takeoff Conditions The pilot initiated a takeoff from a remote location, choosing to depart uphill because of a light wind blowing down the slope. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft struck a bump, which caused it to become airborne earlier than intended. ## Flight Path and Impact After becoming airborne prematurely, the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear the rising terrain and vegetation ahead. The main landing gear struck high vegetation, causing the aircraft to slow down. The aircraft then impacted the terrain and nosed over.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeCapability exceeded

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 2011 PIPER PA-12 accident near Beluga, AK?

A pilot attempted an uphill takeoff from a remote site in light down-slope winds. The aircraft became airborne prematurely after hitting a bump, failed to clear rising terrain, and impacted the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 2011 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 2011 involved a PIPER PA-12, operated by KNUTSON TAD T, at Beluga, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to take off uphill into rising terrain.