# NTSB ANC84LA184: Piper PA-18A, N8469D, Montague Island, AK, September 17, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1984, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Montague Island, AK
- Location: 60.1092° N, 147.3411° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Montague Island, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.1092&lon=-147.3411&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4377
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA184
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4377/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA184

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - sand bar (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - loose objects (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TAKEOFF FROM A SAND BAR WHICH WAS NOT ONLY SOFT BUT SLOPED TO THE RIGHT TOWARD THE WATER. ON TAKEOFF ROLL, THE TAILWHEEL WAS RAISED PREMATURELY AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED WITH RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED DOWNSLOPE TOWARD THE WATER AND COLLIDED WITH BEACH JETSAM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8469D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8469D), registered now, S/N 18-6169, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18A
- 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: 18-6169
- Airframe hours: 2980
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Michael Williams
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 27, 1984, 0 hours before
- Departed: MONTAGUE ISLAND, AK
- Destination: MONTAGUE BEACH, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 154 total, 51 in this make and model, 111 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 70 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °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 19840917052759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840917052759A), Sep 17, 1984: Piper PA18A150, Montague Island, AK, Substantial damage. Lost directional control when raising tail early on takeoff. Struck oil barrel and debris along tide line of beach.

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.

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