On 5 Jun 2013, a PIPER PA 16 operated by JASON E. LOBO was involved in an aviation accident near Glennallen, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting 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.
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after striking trees during takeoff from a remote gravel bar. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies but initially did not report the accident.
Accident Overview
A pilot was departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane from a remote, rough, uneven gravel bar. During the takeoff run, the airplane did not accelerate as the pilot had anticipated. As the airplane became airborne, it collided with a stand of trees at the end of the site, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also confessed that he initially elected not to report the accident, but later realized that the airplane wreckage had been photographed as part of a reality television show. The pilot did not submit the required 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.