Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was departing from a gravel bar and immediately after becoming airborne he initiated a left turn to follow the curve of the terrain. The wing tip impacted a stump that was about six feet tall which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Lake, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-105 SPECIAL
- N-number
- N303T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.