19990618007209A

Acft crashed on take-off and sustained substantial damage, other circumstances are unknown. (From .19) on June 18, 1999, about 2000 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-14 airplane, N4292H, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from an off airport site located about 15 miles west of Skwentna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under title 14, CFR part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was left with a family member. The flight originated at the flying crown airstrip, anchorage, Alaska, about 1600. During a telephone conversation with the national transportation safety board investigator-in-charge on June 19, the pilot reported that he was attempting a northwesterly departure from an 800 feet long grass-covered airstrip. He stated that during the takeoff roll, midway down the airstrip, the airplane's main landing gear tires contacted tall grass. The airplane veered to the left, and the left wing struck a stand of trees that borders the airstrip. The airplane pivoted 180 degrees to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane's right wing struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. (-23) the airman was attempting a takeoff from a 800 foot grass-covered remote landing strip. During the takeoff roll, down the airstrip, at approximately 2 feet above the ground, the airplanes left main landing gear struck the tops of some 3 foot brush. The airplane veered to the left, and the leftwing struck some trees that border the airstrip. The airman reduced the power and the aircraft contacted the ground pivoting 180 degrees collapsing the right main landing gear. The airplane's right wing, and right elevator struck the ground causing substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were uninjured and the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies. (.4) the certificated private pilot was departing from an 800 feet long grass-covered airstrip. He stated that during the takeoff roll, midway down the airstrip, the airplane's main landing gear tires contacted tall grass. The airplane veered to the left, and the left wing struck a stand of trees th at borders the airstrip. The airplane pivoted 180 degrees to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane's right wing struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.