Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
While performing wildlife enforcement duties, the private pilot was departing in a tundra-tire-equipped airplane from a remote gravel surface roadway. Ditches were located along each side of the road. The pilot indicated that during the takeoff roll, he glanced down to locate the flap handle, during which time the airplane drifted off the left side of the road. The left main landing gear tire encountered soft terrain in the ditch and the airplane nosed over.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08TA099 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nome, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N7055
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
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.