Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll to the south he became distracted by a helicopter operation at the south end of the airport. It was about this time that he noticed the airplane yaw, which he over corrected for. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway, then swerved back to the left. The right wing and right elevator impacted the ground and were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA339 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Challis, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Challis Airport (LLJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N4249Z
- 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.