# NTSB ANC87LA148: Piper PA-18, N1265A, Gold King, AK, September 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 7, 1987, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Gold King, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4911
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4911/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA148

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO EXIT THE STRIP INTO A ROW OF TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1265A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1265A), registered now, S/N 18-1061 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (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: 181061
- Airframe hours: 983
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Myron S. Whalin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: Private Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 700 total, 700 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 41 °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 19870907053089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870907053089A), Sep 7, 1987: Piper PA18, Gold King, AK, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered off the runway into a row of trees. The pilot reported wind shear. Gusty winds.

## Other investigations on N1265A (2)

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 ANC76FAA32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76FAA32), Apr 8, 1976: Piper PA-18 (N1265A), Tok, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA66F0166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA66F0166), Nov 13, 1965: Piper PA-18 (N1265A), Waitsburg, WA, substantial damage

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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