Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off with a gusting crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was on a personal cross-country flight in a tailwheel-equipped, single engine airplane. The pilot stated that although there was a strong crosswind on landing, he did not expect it to affect the airplane on takeoff. During the takeoff ground roll, when the pilot could no longer maintain directional control, he took off, climbing about 10 feet before losing altitude and impacting a ditch that is parallel to the runway. During the impact, the airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot and sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nondalton, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Nondalton (5NN)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A 150
- N-number
- N2894Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- 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.