Piper PA-18-150 N82109 accident near Dillingham, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain direction control during takeoff roll which resulted in a ground loop, and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that as she applied throttle for takeoff the nose veered to the right, she corrected with left rudder pedal. However, the airplane continued to veer to the right, the pilot added more throttle which worsened the right turn. Subsequently the pilot closed the throttle and applied left brake, the airplane turned to the left, ground looped and exited the runway. The airplane came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the runway, the two occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and tail section. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA072 for the full record.