Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing on a rough/uneven airstrip.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported he was taxiing on an unimproved airstrip during a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight when the accident occurred. He stated the airplane's tailwheel became stuck in a rut, and when he added power to free it, the empennage spun around and impacted a solid object. During the impact the empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot verified that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA102 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 13, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Windy Forks Strip, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Windy Forks Strip (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-12
- N-number
- N2534M
- 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.