ANC96LA169

The pilot reported he was taking off from a rough and uneven gravel and turf runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a grass clump and an uneven portion of the runway which acted like a ramp to project the airplane into the air. The airplane veered to the left, and the left wing struck a tree. The pilot was unable to maintain control, and the airplane crashed off the left side of the runway. In his report, under recommendations for how the accident could have been avoided, the pilot cited the rough and uneven runway, and the need to keep the airplane in a level attitude until sufficient airspeed is attained.

On August 26, 1996, about 1130 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N2683A, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from the Horsefelt airstrip, located about 60 miles south-southeast of Northway, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Northway about 1030, and was en route to Juneau, Alaska. A VFR flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff to the south into a gusty and turbulent southerly wind. He also noted that the 1100 feet long, by 15 to 25 feet wide grass and gravel airstrip was rough and uneven. During the takeoff roll, he said the airplane was "projected" into the air prior to reaching flying speed when the left main landing gear tire struck a clump of grass, and a "ramp" formed by the uneven runway. The airplane veered to the left about 15 degrees, struck a small tree with the left wing, and subsequently came to rest off the airstrip. The left wing and fuselage received substantial damage.

The pilot wrote in his report to the NTSB, in the section, Recommendation (How Could This Accident Been Prevented): " 1. Maintain a level attitude until positive flying speed is obtained. 2. Level and remove humps including filling in blown away depressed areas of the runway."