Event ANC99LA113

Factual narrative

On August 13, 1999, about 1705 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N1386A, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A VFR flight plan was filed for Igiugig, Alaska, but not activated. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 16, 1999, the pilot reported he was beginning a takeoff roll on runway 32. He said a left crosswind condition existed at the time. He utilized 2 notches of flaps for the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the left wing began to rise, and the airplane veered to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing struck the runway. The pilot said the left wing received spar damage. At 1718, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR), Anchorage International Airport, was reporting in part: Wind, 215 degrees (magnetic) at 7 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, few at 2,000 feet; temperature, 64 degrees F; dew point, 51 degrees F; altimeter, 29.84 inHg. The private certificated pilot was beginning a cross-country flight on runway 32. The pilot said a left crosswind condition existed, and during the takeoff roll, he utilized 2 notches of flaps. During the takeoff, the left wing began to rise, and the airplane veered to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing struck the runway, receiving spar damage. The wind condition at the airport was 215 degrees (magnetic) at 7 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12