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ANC21LA041

2021-05-13 · Palmer, Alaska, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N154T

Make / Model
PIPER PA-18-105 SPECIAL
Engine
LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19910827
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A0DAB4

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and ground loop.

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff from an unimproved airstrip, the left tire sunk into soft ground and the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the left tire encountered willow bushes and the airplane ground looped to the left sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
  • — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
  • — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Effect on operation
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Decision related to condition

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2021_ANC21LA041.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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Related research

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