On 3 Jun 2012, a CESSNA 150G was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to take off with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During departure from a dry paved runway with a slight left quartering tailwind, a tailwheel airplane veered left. Despite full right rudder, it turned right and the left main gear collapsed, causing substantial fuselage damage.
Accident Summary
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing a dry paved runway. The departure required a correction for a slight left quartering tailwind. As the airplane accelerated, it veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder. The airplane then turned right, and the left main gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Pilot's Report
In his written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had used a different runway.
Aircraft Damage
The left main gear collapsed during the event, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The extent of damage to other components is not specified in the available information.