Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, personal cross-country flight when the accident occurred. The pilot said during takeoff from an off-airport site, the airplane hit a bump and became airborne prematurely. When the airplane settled to the ground, she said the right main landing gear wheel landed in a depression, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The pilot said the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane veered to the right. The left main landing gear which collapsed, side-loading allowing the left wing to hit the ground. She said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. She said the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09CA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 14, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kaktovik, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N83278
- 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.