Piper PA-18-105 SPECIAL N303T accident near Delta Junction, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to depart during high, gusty wind conditions which resulted sink and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot planned to depart from a 2,250 ft turf/gravel runway with expected wind conditions of 5 to 10 knots. After he arrived to the airplane, the pilot observed high wind conditions, with gusts to 40 knots. The pilot elected to depart and as the airplane passed over trees during the initial climb, he noticed high, gusty wind conditions, which he made full control inputs to counter. The airplane entered into sink and it subsequently impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, and that he should have delayed the departure based on the high wind conditions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA417 for the full record.