Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane from a remote, rough, uneven gravel bar. The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, the airplane did not accelerate as he had anticipated. He said that as the airplane became airborne, it collided with a stand of trees at the end of the site, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA109 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 5, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glennallen, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 16
- N-number
- N5965H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1949
- 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.