Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting, variable wind conditions during initial climb after takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was departing from a wet and soft off-airport site, in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, during gusty wind conditions. He stated that shortly after takeoff, as the airplane neared the departure end of the site, the headwind abruptly decreased, and the airplane subsequently descended into an area of brush-covered terrain at the end of the site. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14CA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 13, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Susitna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18-135
- N-number
- N959E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- 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.