# NTSB ANC95LA168: Piper PA-18-150, N7562K, Kivalina, AK, September 12, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 12, 1995, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Kivalina, AK
- Coordinates: 67.729232, -164.550277 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=67.7292&lon=-164.5503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 29, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 2739
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC95LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2739/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95LA168

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff.  A factor relating to the accident was: the rough/uneven terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - sand bar
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command
  - incapacitation(loss of consciousness), pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he was attempting to takeoff from a gravel bar in a Tundra Tire equipped airplane. He said the airplane hit a gravel berm during the takeoff roll, which bounced the airplane into the air and caused him to strike his head inside the airplane structure and lose consciousness. The airplane then went out of control and crashed.

## Factual narrative

On September 12, 1995, about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a Tundra Tire equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N7562K, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from a gravel bar located approximately 25 miles northeast of Kivalina, Alaska.  The solo private pilot received minor injuries. The hunt/guide business flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.  The intended destination was Kotzebue, Alaska.

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane struck a gravel berm.  The impact with the berm was violent enough to bounce the airplane into the air, and caused the pilot to strike his head inside the airplane structure and become semi- conscious.  The pilot said he then lost control of the airplane, the airplane stalled and crashed.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7562K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7562K-2013-02-26), registration cancelled 2013-02-26, S/N 18-277, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-277
- Airframe hours: 4023
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Henry C. Clark
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 22, 1995, 120 hours before
- Departed: OTZ, KOTZEBUE, AK
- Destination: OTZ, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,128 total, 3,078 in this make and model, 180 in the last 90 days, 97 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 90 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

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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