# NTSB ANC98LA135: Piper PA-18-150, N7279K, Anchorage, AK, September 1, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 1, 1998, 09:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Anchorage, AK - Coordinates: 61.159137, -149.989334 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1591&lon=-149.9893&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 16, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 43877 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC98LA135 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43877/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA135 ## Probable cause The pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for takeoff. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's premature liftoff. ## 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 - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - rough/uneven - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff from a remote, off-airport site. He estimated his takeoff site to be 500 feet long. He related that the airplane became airborne after approximately 300 feet of ground roll, but soon settled to the ground, and drifted to the left into undergrowth. The airplane subsequently encountered rough terrain, and nosed over. The pilot noted there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. ## Factual narrative On September 1, 1998, about 0900, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N7279K, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain during an attempted takeoff from a remote, off airport site located about 22 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The intended destination was Lake Hood Airstrip, Anchorage. The pilot reported he had flown to the accident site the day before to hunt ducks. He said he was utilizing an unimproved site about 500 feet in length for takeoff and landing. On the accident takeoff, he indicated he was attempting to takeoff to the north, and he estimated the wind to be from the east about 6 to 8 mph. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne after about 300 feet, but soon settled to the ground, drifted to the left, and went into the adjacent undergrowth. The airplane subsequently encountered rough terrain, and nosed over. The pilot reported there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7279K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7279K), registered now, S/N 18-187, 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 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-187 - Airframe hours: 3446 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: David E. Taylor - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1998, 90 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 112 total, 41 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °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 19980901022529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980901022529A), Sep 1, 1998: Piper STCPA18, Anchorage, AK, Substantial damage. Acft crashed on takeoff. (.19) on September 1, 1998, about 0900, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N7279K, sustained substantial damage when it collided… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.