# NTSB ANC88LA038: Piper PA-18, N78AJ, Mcgrath, AK, March 10, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 10, 1988, 13:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Mcgrath, AK
- Location: 62.9564° N, 155.5958° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of McGrath, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.9564&lon=-155.5958&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4992
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4992/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA038

## 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
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF THE PIPER PA-18 LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A SECTION OF SNOW COVERED RIVER ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78AJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78AJ), registered now, S/N 18-7809111, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- 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: 18-7809111
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James B. Leach, III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CRIPPLE CREEK, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 7,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Day

## 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 19880310005039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880310005039A), Mar 10, 1988: Piper PA18150, Mcgrath, AK, Substantial damage. Ski equipped aircraft collided with snowbank during attempted takeoff from frozen river. Rough surface on river.

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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