No fatalities

PIPER PA-20 accident at Anchorage, AK, 6 Mar 2021

Anchorage, AK, United States

On March 6, 2021, a PIPER PA-20 was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down. 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 gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 2021 PIPER PA-20 accident near Anchorage, AK?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Mar 2021 PIPER PA-20 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 2021 involved a PIPER PA-20, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down.