Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a loss of control and could not steer the airplane. The airplane veered to the left, continued off the runway surface into a pile of rocks, and nosed over. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA289 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Soldier Bar, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Soldier Bar Airport (85U)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PA 18
- N-number
- N13VC
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.