# NTSB ANC08CA024: Piper PA-18-135, N1181Y, Seward, AK, November 29, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 29, 2007, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Seward, AK - Location: 60.1232° N, 149.3917° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Seward, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - NTSB coordinates: 60.0855555555556, -174.296666666667, outside the stated state - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.1232&lon=-149.3917&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 28, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 67203 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC08CA024 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67203/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA024 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - high vegetation ## Analysis The private certificated pilot was taking off from a narrow, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot said he used too much rudder during takeoff, and the right wing caught in high alder brush next to the takeoff area. He said the airplane veered to the right, into the alders and small spruce trees. According to the pilot, there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the airplane sustained damage to the left wing leading edge, tip, and spar, and damage to the right wing leading edge. The left landing gear and propeller were also damaged. ## Factual narrative The private certificated pilot was taking off from a narrow, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot said he used too much rudder during takeoff, and the right wing caught in high alder brush next to the takeoff area. He said the airplane veered to the right, into the alders and small spruce trees. According to the pilot, there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the airplane sustained damage to the left wing leading edge, tip, and spar, and damage to the right wing leading edge. The left landing gear and propeller were also damaged. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1181Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1181Y), registered now, S/N 18-2144, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18-135 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-2144 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mark G. Meehleis - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2007 - Departed: Seward, AK - Destination: 9AK5, Anchorage, AK ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 60; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 1, 2006; seat: front; flight hours: 2,640 total, 2,555 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast ## 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 20071129828409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071129828409A), Nov 29, 2007: Piper PA18135, Cordova, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) The aircraft crashed on take-off from montague island about 5 miles north east of beach river. According to the pilot, he lost control of the aircraft… ## Other investigations on N1181Y (1) 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 ANC91LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA008), Oct 25, 1990: Piper PA-18 (N1181Y), Chugiak, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LANDING AND THE FAILURE TO SELECT SUITABLE TERRAIN. 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.