# NTSB ANC86LA013: Piper PA-18, N9960Q, Port Heiden, AK, October 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1985, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Port Heiden, AK
- Coordinates: 56.960369, -158.580627 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=56.9604&lon=-158.5806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4626
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4626/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA013

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff

## Analysis

THE ACFT CARTWHEELED AFTER DRAGGING THE RIGHT WING DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF FROM A GRAVEL STRIP. THE PLT REPORTED THE TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED TO THE WEST WITH A 10 TO 15 MPH LEFT X-WIND. ANOTHER PERSON IN THE AREA WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED STATED THE WIND VELOCITY WAS MORE LIKE 40 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9960Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9960Q-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 18-3945, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-3945
- Airframe hours: 2230
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jay L. Frazier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 124 total, 124 in this make and model, 105 as pilot in command, 124 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19851008063839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851008063839A), Oct 8, 1985: Piper PA18135, Port Heiden, AK, Substantial damage. Crashed after wingtip hit ground on takeoff in strong crosswind. Had been flying hunters and supplies into area.

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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