No fatalities

Float-Equipped Airplane Collision with Trees During Takeoff

Ekwok, AK, United States

On September 5, 2012, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by BIERI MICHAEL J was involved in an aviation accident near Ekwok, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's diverted attention during the initial climb, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot operating a float-equipped airplane near a river bank was distracted by the water rudders during initial climb. The aircraft turned toward the bank and struck trees. No mechanical anomalies were reported prior to the accident.

Incident Overview and Context The accident involved a float-equipped airplane operating in the vicinity of a river bank. The pilot was conducting a takeoff when the incident occurred. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or exact location. ## Sequence of Events During the initial climb phase of the takeoff, the pilot became distracted by the water rudders and looked inside the airplane. This moment of inattention resulted in the aircraft turning toward the river bank. The airplane subsequently impacted trees. ## Mechanical Condition The investigation source states that there were no reported mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.

Contributing factors

Pilot