14 Jun 2015: PIPER PA 18A 150 A150

14 Jun 2015: PIPER PA 18A 150 A150 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Soldotna, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was departing from a gravel runway with a left gusting crosswind. Just after lifting off the ground, the pilot stated that the airplane rapidly turned 90 degrees to the right. The left main landing gear tire contacted the runway, and the airplane ground looped then nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 040/06kt, vis 10sm

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