WASILLA, AK, USA
N7099Y
Piper PA-18
The pilot said that he normally sets 10 degrees of flaps prior to takeoff. He stated that he applied full power, and then noticed he had not deployed the flaps. He indicated he removed his left hand from the throttle and reached down with his left hand for the flap handle. The right wing contacted brush along the narrow airstrip, and the airplane swerved to the right, into trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the fuselage. The pilot stated he lives nearby, and normally operates from this airstrip.
On September 26, 2000, at 1645 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 tundra tire equipped airplane, N7099Y, sustained substantial damage when it struck brush and trees during takeoff from an airstrip between Seymour Lake, and Visnaw Lake, in Wasilla, Alaska. The private pilot and sole passenger on board were not injured. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and was departing for Lake Clark Pass, Alaska for a hunting trip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot told the NTSB investigator-in-charge during a telephone interview on September 28, that he normally selects 10 degrees of flaps prior to takeoff. He stated that he applied full power, and then noticed he had not deployed the flaps. He indicated he removed his left hand from the throttle and reached down with his left hand for the flap handle. The right wing contacted brush along the narrow airstrip, and the airplane swerved right, into trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the fuselage. The pilot stated he lives nearby, and normally operates from this airstrip.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. A factor associated with the accident was the presence of tall brush alongside the runway.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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