ANC98LA077

The pilot reported she was attempting to takeoff from a narrow, remote, airstrip bordered by willows and brush. She said she lost directional control during the takeoff roll, and the left wing struck willows alongside the airstrip. The airplane subsequently went into the willows and brush, and received substantial damage. The pilot told an NTSB investigator the cause of the accident was '...pilot error; I didn't use enough right rudder, and the torque got me.'

On June 17, 1998, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N3684Z, sustained substantial damage during a takeoff attempt from a private airstrip located adjacent to Alexander Creek, Alaska, which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the one passenger aboard, the pilot's daughter, reported no injuries. The Title 14, CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The intended destination was Talkeetna, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on June 18 at 1330, the pilot related she was attempting to takeoff from a narrow, private airstrip known locally as Roy's Airstrip. She said the airstrip is closely bordered by willows and other small trees. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left, and collided with brush. The pilot said the collision pulled the airplane further off the runway, and deeper into the brush. She said there were no preaccident mechanical difficulties with the airplane, and that the cause of the accident was "...pilot error; I didn't use enough right rudder, and the torque got me."

According to the pilot, the left wing's rear lift strut was damaged and needed replacement, and both wings were dented, with possible damage to internal wing ribs.