Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Fairbanks, AK — 2019-06-16

Final reportGAA19CA348
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Date
2019-06-16
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N2765A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

NTSB narrative

The flight school owner reported that, while the pilot receiving instruction was taking off from a lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step and that, just before liftoff but with the airplane still below takeoff speed, he attempted to abruptly rotate the airplane out of the water. The float's heels impacted the water, which reduced the airspeed. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that there was insufficient water remaining to make a successful takeoff, the instructor retarded the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the water onto wet grass, and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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