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PIPER PA-18-150 accident at St Mary's, AK, 14 Sept 2025
On September 14, 2025, a PIPER PA-18-150 was involved in an aviation accident near St Mary's, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, from a short off-airport strip, which degraded the climb performance of the airplane and led to impact with trees at the end of the strip. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, from a short off-airport strip, which degraded the climb performance of the airplane and led to impact with trees at the end of the strip.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotCapability exceededEffect on operation
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Sept 2025 PIPER PA-18-150 accident near St Mary's, AK?
The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, from a short off-airport strip, which degraded the climb performance of the airplane and led to impact with trees at the end of the strip.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Sept 2025 PIPER PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 2025 involved a PIPER PA-18-150, at St Mary's, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, from a short off-airport strip, which degraded the climb performance of the airplane and led to impact with trees at the end of the strip.
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