Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. A factor relating to the accident was: the rough/uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was attempting to takeoff from a gravel bar in a Tundra Tire equipped airplane. He said the airplane hit a gravel berm during the takeoff roll, which bounced the airplane into the air and caused him to strike his head inside the airplane structure and lose consciousness. The airplane then went out of control and crashed.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 12, 1995, about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a Tundra Tire equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N7562K, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from a gravel bar located approximately 25 miles northeast of Kivalina, Alaska. The solo private pilot received minor injuries. The hunt/guide business flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The intended destination was Kotzebue, Alaska. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane struck a gravel berm. The impact with the berm was violent enough to bounce the airplane into the air, and caused the pilot to strike his head inside the airplane structure and become semi- conscious. The pilot said he then lost control of the airplane, the airplane stalled and crashed. -