Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 18 near Fairbanks, AK — 2020-07-27

Final reportANC20CA080
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Date
2020-07-27
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA 18
Registration
N1277A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface that had standing water, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on an off-airport grass strip, as the airplane reached flying speed, it encountered a puddle of water which was hidden in grass and the pilot lost control of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with tundra tussocks and a main landing gear collapse. The fuselage and left lift strut sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better walk down of the grass strip.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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