Where were going, we dont need roads

The private pilot/owner planned to fly to at least two back country airports in a neighboring state. His first destination was an unpaved USFS strip. The runway, oriented 11/29, was reported to be 2765 feet long and 50 feet wide. It was located in a narrow valley, and situated about 30 feet southwest of the main road that transited the valley. An unpaved road exited the main road immediately southeast of the threshold of Runway 29, and then turned northwest to initially merge with the runway. About 300 feet northwest of the threshold, the unpaved road diverged slightly southwest of the runway, before assuming a track separate from but parallel to the runway.

Key Takeaways:

• A pilot mistakenly attempted takeoff from an unpaved road adjacent to a backcountry runway, leading to an accident and substantial aircraft damage.
• During the takeoff roll, the aircraft struck a hole, veered left, and collided with trees, though the pilot was uninjured.
• The confusion arose from the runway and road being conjoined at the departure end, a hazard that was not documented in official flight information prior to the incident but subsequently added.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.