Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff from an icy surface in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was taking off in his tundra tire equipped airplane on a private, ice-covered, gravel runway. He stated that during the takeoff roll ruts in the ground caused him to lose control of the airplane. The airplane struck a snow berm and sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 8, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Montana Creek (21AK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18 - 150
- N-number
- N5348T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.