Probable cause
The airplane’s encounter with windshear on takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, just after takeoff from a remote off-airport landing site, he encountered windshear that pushed the airplane into the tops of alder trees and onto a gravel bar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing and right elevator. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA044 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 28, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Perryville, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N4323Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.