# NTSB ANC86FA081: Piper PA-18-150, N83377, Lakecreek River, AK, June 17, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1986, 22:50 local (Jun 17, 1986, 06:50 UTC)
- Place: Lakecreek River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4596
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86FA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4596/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86FA081

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control,elevator - movement restricted (cause)
  - flight control,stabilator - disabled (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO A WITNESS ON THE GROUND, THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND LANDED FROM WEST TO EAST AND AFTER UNLOADING THE SUPPLIES DECIDED TO TAKEOFF IN THE SAME DIRECTION. THE PILOT TAXIED DOWN TO THE END OF THE RUNWAY AND UPON TURNING AROUND THE WITNESS STATED THE TAIL OF THE AIRPLANE CAME OFF THE GROUND DURING THE TURN. THE WITNESS FURTHER STATED THAT THE END OF THE RUNWAY WAS MARKED WITH A TARP THAT WAS HELD DOWN WITH ROCKS PLACED UPON ITS CORNERS. AS THE AIRPLANE STARTED ITS TAKEOFF ROLL, THE WITNESS NOTICED THE TARP WRAPPED AROUND THE RIGHT SECTION OF THE TAIL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE WITNESS RAN OUT TO THE RUNWAY WAVING HIS ARMS BUT THE PILOT DID NOT SEE HIM. THE AIRPLANE LIFTED OFF AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY AND DID NOT GAIN ANY ALTITUDE. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A TREE AND IT CARTWHEELED INTO THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE WAS ON FIRE BEFORE THE WITNESS REACHED THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83377](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83377-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 18-7609104, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7609104
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Glen L. Rash
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 30 °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 19860616025359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860616025359A), Jun 16, 1986: Piper PA18150, Lakecreek River, AK, Destroyed. A tarpaulin marking the runway was blown over the aircraft tail during lineup. Pilot took off unaware of situation.

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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