No fatalities

Takeoff from Public Street Ends with Aircraft Striking Light Pole

Wasilla, AK, United States

On September 30, 2013, a PIPER PA 18-150 A150 was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper preflight inspection, and failure to remove heavy frost from the airplane prior to attempting a takeoff. 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

An airplane attempting takeoff from a public street failed to climb and struck a light pole, causing substantial damage. The pilot cited failure to remove heavy frost beforehand.

Incident Details

An airplane attempting to take off from a public street failed to climb and struck a light pole, according to the pilot. The collision resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he had not removed heavy frost from the aircraft prior to the takeoff attempt. He further stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage as a result of the impact with the light pole.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDecision related to condition

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2013 PIPER PA 18-150 A150 accident near Wasilla, AK?

An airplane attempting takeoff from a public street failed to climb and struck a light pole, causing substantial damage. The pilot cited failure to remove heavy frost beforehand.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2013 PIPER PA 18-150 A150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2013 involved a PIPER PA 18-150 A150, at Wasilla, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper preflight inspection, and failure to remove heavy frost from the airplane prior to attempting a takeoff.