# NTSB Accident ANC23FA074
> **PIPER PA-18-150** · 2023-09-13 · St. Mary's, AK, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ANC23FA074) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*