# NTSB ANC89LA101: Piper PA-22-108, N4912Z, Alder Creek, AK, June 19, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1989, 17:00 local (Jun 19, 1989, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Alder Creek, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5204
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5204/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA101

## Probable cause

SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN (UNIMPROVED STRIP) BY THE PILOT. SOFT/UNEVEN TERRAIN & LOW BUSHES ON THE STRIP, AS WELL AS ALDERS BESIDE THE STRIP, WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

## 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
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT DURING TAKEOFF ON A SOFT/ROUGH STRIP COVERED WITH LOW BUSHES. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WENT OFF THE RWY, RAN INTO ALDERS, & NOSED OVER. THE PLT BELIEVED THE ACDNT MAY HAVE BEEN AVOIDED, IF THE STRIP HAD BEEN MOWED SO THAT ITS ROUGH AREAS WOULD HAVE BEEN SEEN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4912Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4912Z-2012-12-18), registration cancelled 2012-12-18, S/N 22-8498, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-108
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 228998
- Airframe hours: 2864
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Philip A. Lefler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 6, 1988, 7 hours before
- Airport: Alder Creek, runway 6, 950 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 57 °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 19890618016819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890618016819A), Jun 18, 1989: Piper PA22108, Alder Creek, AK, Substantial damage. Lost control on takeoff roll and nosed over. Apparently hit brakes trying to regain control. Small dirt strip.

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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