On 12 Aug 2013, a PIPER PA-18-150 was involved in an aviation accident near McCarthy, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff phase. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot lost control of a Piper PA-18-150 during takeoff from a private airstrip, resulting in a ground loop and aircraft damage.
What happened
On August 12, 2013, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N3897Z, was performing a takeoff from a private airstrip near McCarthy, Alaska. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. This loss of control led to a ground loop and a subsequent nose over.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the left wing. The pilot was not injured during the accident. Weather conditions at the time were reported as VMC with a visibility of 30 statute miles and winds from 290 degrees at 6 knots.
Probable cause
The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff phase.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained