# NTSB ANC87LA039: Piper PA-34, N6970J, Tyonek, AK, February 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 14, 1987, 18:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Tyonek, AK
- Coordinates: 53.900436, -166.400955 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=53.9004&lon=-166.4010&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4823
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4823/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA039

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - animal(s) (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ON-DEMAND AIR TAXI FLIGHT STRUCK A MOOSE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AT A PRIVATE RURAL AIRSTRIP. THE TWO PILOT CREW AND ONE PASSENGER WERE UNINJURED. THE LEADING EDGE OF THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WING WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED; BUT THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND ELECTED TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT TO ITS ORIGINAL DESTINATION 30 NM DISTANCE. THE FLIGHT WAS COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6970J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6970J-2013-09-13), registration cancelled 2013-09-13, S/N 34-7670307, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34
- Registry model: [Piper PA-34-200T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-34-200t) (registry code 7103406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 347670307
- Airframe hours: 4006
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSI0-360E 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Troy Air, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, October 28, 1986, 41 hours before
- Departed: ANC, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: ANC, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: BLG, Beluga, runway 18, 5,000 × 100 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 10,275 total, 952 in this make and model, 10,125 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 18 °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 19870214003269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870214003269A), Feb 14, 1987: Piper PA34200T, Beluga, AK, Substantial damage. Struck a moose on takeoff. Damaged wing and ruptured fuel tank. Flew back to base with known equipment deficiency.

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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