Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right. He added that he "could not see [the] right edge of [the] strip due to [the] tail being low and [the] contour of [the] terrain descending away"; therefore, "corrective measures were not applied." Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, impacted small shrubs/trees and a large rock, and then came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
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 GAA17CA264 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pedro Bay, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N9510K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.