WOOD RIVER, AK, USA
N4099E
PIPER PA-18
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS TAKING OFF FROM A 900' STRIP WHICH HAD AN ELEVATION OF 2000'. HE STATED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST AND WOULD NOT OUT-CLIMB THE TREETOPS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING HIT A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 60' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE VARIABLE AT 20 GUSTING 40 KTS.
INNADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. THE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND TREES WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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