ANC95TA068

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing/takeoff. Factors associated with the accident are the long and wet grass covering the unimproved takeoff area.

The alaska state trooper pilot landed at an off airport site adjacent to a river to apprehend an apparent violator of the state's fish and game laws. The landing site was covered with long grass and pockets of water. Following the enforcement action, the pilot attempted to takeoff from the approximately 1,200' long 'strip'. The airplane failed to become airborne prior to reaching an area of taller grass and deeper water, and the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane subsequently ground-looped and nosed down. No pretakeoff mechanical anomalies were claimed or discovered.

On June 4, 1995, about 0945 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N2400S, received substantial damage while attempting to takeoff from an off airport site near the Theodore River, located approximately 15 miles north of Tyonek, Alaska. The Alaska State Trooper commercial certificated pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed. The purpose of the public use flight was for enforcement of the State of Alaska's Fish and Game Regulations. The pilot said he landed the airplane after he observed what he believed was illegal activity next to the Theodore River. He said after his enforcement action, he attempted to takeoff from the unimproved, wet and grass covered 1,200' long strip. A soft field takeoff was initiated, but the airplane did not become airborne prior to entering an area of deeper water and taller vegetation. The pilot said the airplane did not have sufficient flying speed, and he aborted the takeoff. During the ensuing period of deceleration, the airplane ground looped approximately one-quarter of a turn to the right and nosed down. The pilot indicated that he was not aware of any preimpact mechanical anomaly with the airplane. -