1 fatal · PIPER PA-18-150 · 2023-09-13 · St. Mary's, AK, USA
Event
NTSB number
ANC23FA074
Event ID
20230913193053
Type
Accident
Date
2023-09-13
Location
St. Mary's, AK, USA
Coordinates
62.863731, -161.77257
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
PIPER
Model
PA-18-150
Registration
N109T
FAR Part
135
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DUSK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum certificated gross weight, and his installation of an unapproved external load that degraded takeoff performance and flight characteristics resulting in a loss of airplane control during takeoff into an area of mechanical turbulence and downdrafts.