Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Cadillac, MI — 2020-06-04

Final reportCEN20CA213
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Date
2020-06-04
Location
Cadillac, MI, USA
Airport
CAD
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N68EE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the float-equipped airplane after the float became caught on the trailer used for takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to takeoff in the float-equipped airplane from a trailer pulled down the runway by a truck. He reported that there was a direct crosswind from the right at 7 knots. As the truck’s speed increased, the airplane shifted on the trailer and the left float contacted a vertical post that blocked the float from contacting the tire. As the airplane attempted to depart the trailer, the float chine caught on the trailer and turned the airplane toward the ground. The left wing struck the ground first, followed by the floats, propeller, and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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