On April 6, 2016, a PIPER PA 22-160 160 was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in a runway over-run and collision with trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff roll on an off-airport airstrip, the pilot of a tailwheel airplane hit a soft spot, aborted, but couldn't stop before impacting alder trees, resulting in substantial empennage damage.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll on an off-airport airstrip, the airplane encountered a soft spot. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff. However, he was unable to bring the airplane to a stop before it impacted a group of alder trees located at the end of the airstrip.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage as a result of the impact with the trees.
Pilot's Statement
According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDecision related to conditionEffect on operationCapability exceeded
What happened in the 6 Apr 2016 PIPER PA 22-160 160 accident near Palmer, AK?
During takeoff roll on an off-airport airstrip, the pilot of a tailwheel airplane hit a soft spot, aborted, but couldn't stop before impacting alder trees, resulting in substantial empennage damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Apr 2016 PIPER PA 22-160 160 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Apr 2016 involved a PIPER PA 22-160 160, at Palmer, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in a runway over-run and collision with trees.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…