Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. High vegetation and upsloping terrain were related factors.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and a passenger were departing a remote/rough landing site that was oriented north and south. The site was reported to be about 1,000 feet long with a 10 degree upslope in a southbound direction. The pilot began the takeoff roll to the south. The wind was from the southeast about 3 knots. During the takeoff roll, the tailwheel contacted a low bush, and the right wing then contacted the ground. The right main landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 16, 1995, about 1315 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Aeronca 15AC, N1484H, crashed during takeoff from a remote area, about 50 miles northwest of Glennallen, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross- country personal flight to the Lake Hood strip, Anchorage, Alaska, when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that the area of the accident was a remote and rough landing strip oriented north and south. The strip was about 1,000 feet long with a 10 degree upslope in a southbound direction. The pilot began the takeoff roll to the south. The wind was from the southeast about 3 knots. During the takeoff roll, the tail wheel contacted a low bush and the right wing then contacted the ground. The right main landing gear separated from the fuselage and the airplane nosed over. -