# NTSB ANC06CA046: Piper PA-18, N6195D, Talkeetna, AK, April 17, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 17, 2006, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Talkeetna, AK - Coordinates: 62.18, -150.03334 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.1800&lon=-150.0333&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 29, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 63514 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC06CA046 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63514/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06CA046 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The private certificated pilot was departing toward the south from a snow-covered private airstrip on a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during the initial climb, a crosswind from the east blew the airplane into a stand of trees located along the right side of the airstrip. The airplane collided with trees, and became lodged in branches, about 40 feet above the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated that the wind condition was variable at less than 5 knots, and there were no wind gusts. ## Factual narrative The private certificated pilot was departing toward the south from a snow-covered private airstrip on a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during the initial climb, a crosswind from the east blew the airplane into a stand of trees located along the right side of the airstrip. The airplane collided with trees, and became lodged in branches, about 40 feet above the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated that the wind condition was variable at less than 5 knots, and there were no wind gusts. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6195D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6195D), registered now, S/N 18-5491, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-5491 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Ruth E.Higdon - Registered owner: Ruth E. Higdon - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Talkeetna, AK - Airport: CAL, Carls Landing, runway 16, 2,000 × 100 ft, gravel ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 62 total, 22 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 5 knots - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 39 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20060417006489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060417006489A), Apr 17, 2006: Piper PA18A150, Talkeetna, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot attempted take-off in a ski-equipped PA-18-150 from a 1500' snow-covered airstrip about 10 miles south of Talkeetna, Alaska. After liftoff, pilot… ## Other investigations on N6195D (3) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ANC05CA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA108), Jul 26, 2005: Piper PA-18-150 (N6195D), Aleknagik, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in an on ground collision with a tree. Factors associated with the accident are the… - [NTSB ANC82DA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC82DA082), Sep 2, 1982: Piper PA-18 (N6195D), Anchorage, AK, substantial damage - [NTSB ANC72DAG66](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72DAG66), Sep 17, 1971: Piper PA-18 (N6195D), Kukalkek, AK, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.