The pilot planned to depart from a 2,250-foot turf/gravel runway near Delta Junction, Alaska, with expected wind conditions of 5 to 10 knots.
After he arrived to the Piper PA-18-105 Special, he observed high wind conditions, with gusts to 40 knots.
He decided to go ahead with the flight.
As the airplane passed over trees during the initial climb, he noticed high, gusty wind conditions, which he made full control inputs to counter.
The airplane entered into sink and then hit terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot told investigators that he should have delayed the departure based on the high wind conditions.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to depart during high, gusty wind conditions which resulted sink and subsequent impact with terrain.
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This September 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
A Piper PA-18 105 Special is a fraction of the price of a Carbon Cub and yes is a big deal when someone wrecks their aircraft.
Whoulda coulda shoulda….
/J
So glad the pilot wasnt killed. Law enforcement are instructed to never drive faster than your capabilities. Same goes for wind factors.
Ahh dha…!
The people who can afford purchase these very expensive STOL aircraft like a Maul or Carbon Cub have a lot of money. No big deal to destroy them.
Unless they make an insurance claim in which case that drives up the premiums for everyone.
Regards/J