No fatalities

Piper PA 18 accident at McGrath, AK, 16 May 2020

McGrath, AK, United States

On May 16, 2020, a Piper PA 18 was involved in an aviation accident near McGrath, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and impacted with the ground. 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

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and impacted with the ground.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 2020 Piper PA 18 accident near McGrath, AK?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and impacted with the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 2020 Piper PA 18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 2020 involved a Piper PA 18, at McGrath, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and impacted with the ground.