Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff site, resulting in an on ground collision with tall brush.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing from a remote off-airport site that was surrounded by tall brush. The pilot said that during the takeoff run, the left wing struck tall brush, which pivoted the airplane to the left, and it entered an area of heavy brush and trees. The airplane's right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08CA116 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 30, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
De Havilland DHC-2
- N-number
- N4081F
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.