Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing from a gravel runway with a left gusting crosswind. Just after lifting off the ground, the pilot stated that the airplane rapidly turned 90 degrees to the right. The left main landing gear tire contacted the runway, and the airplane ground looped then nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. 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 ANC15CA040 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Soldotna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Soldotna (SXQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A 150
- N-number
- N2892Z
- 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.