Beluga, AK, USA
N78564
PIPER PA-12
The pilot elected to take off uphill from a remote site due to a light wind coming down the slope. He said that during the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a bump and became airborne prematurely. The airplane was unable to outclimb the rising terrain and vegetation. After the main landing gear encountered high vegetation, the airplane slowed, impacted terrain, and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. There were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
The pilot elected to takeoff from the remote site uphill, due to a light wind coming down the slope. During the takeoff roll, he said the airplane hit a bump, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane was unable to out climb the rising terrain and vegetation. The main landing gear encountered high vegetation, the airplane slowed, impacted terrain, and nosed over.
The pilot's decision to take off uphill into rising terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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