On 6 Apr 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