Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The solo private pilot was taking off on a personal local flight. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll it felt like a gust was pushing him toward the left side of the runway. He corrected with right rudder, but was unable to correct for the right turn. The airplane then ground-looped to the right, striking the left wing on the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The left wing was structurally damaged during the ground-loop.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA033 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 29, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Fairbanks International (FAI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N7227D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.