The pilot reported that during takeoff from a snow-covered mountain ridge line near Delta Junction, Alaska, the Piper PA 18-150 did not attain sufficient airspeed to takeoff before reaching the end of the site, so he aborted the takeoff.
During the aborted takeoff, the airplane rolled to the end of the site and hit an area of rough and uneven terrain, and eventually came to rest on the forward fuselage.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s inadequate takeoff planning and judgment that did not consider the reduced acceleration due to snow-covered terrain, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and collision with terrain.
NTSB Identification: ANC13CA104
This August 2013 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.
