Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Factors include rough/uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped PIPER pa-22 landed on an unimproved airstrip in remote alaska. He determined that the runway had a considerable rut or bump about one third to half way down the strip. During takeoff, at approximately 50 miles per hour, the right tire entered the rut and the airplane swerved to the right, headed off the runway. After remedial actions proved inadequate, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane nosed over when the brakes were applied.
Source record
Factual narrative
-