SEA86LA014

Factual narrative

BEFORE THE PILOT USED THE RUNWAY AT AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT SHE FAILED TO LOOK FOR AND OBSERVE THE LANDING TRAFFIC. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A COMMUNICATIONS RADIO. THIS WAS THE PILOT'S FIRST TAKEOFF OF THE DAY AND HAD PLANNED ON MAKING SEVERAL TOUCH AND GOES. DURING TAKEOFF THE PILOT HEARD A 'CRUNCH' BUT WAS UNAWARE OF THE LANDING AIRCRAFT'S PROPELLER STRIKE WHICH SLICED OFF 40% OF THE VERTICAL STABILIXER AND RUDDER. A NORMAL TRAFFIC PATTERN WAS FLOWN WITH A SUCCESSFUL LANDING. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12