Piper PA-18-150 N4018E

Summary

On 12 August 2021 at about 23:30 local time, a Piper PA-18-150 registered N4018E was involved in an accident near Rohn, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 August 2021 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Rohn, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

62.2937, -153.3743

Aircraft

Piper PA-18-150

Registration

N4018E

Category

Airplane

Year built

1977

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Anchorage

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC21LA072

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll on a rough ridge, the airplane “pulled” to the left, therefore he corrected the turn with right rudder. While applying the right rudder, the airplane struck a large hole, which resulted in his hunting boot becoming jammed in the rudder pedal. The pilot reduced engine power, and the airplane continued to turn 180° to the right. While in the turn, the left main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.