Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Big Flats, NY — 2019-10-10

Final reportGAA20CA008
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Date
2019-10-10
Location
Big Flats, NY, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N4138Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flight planning and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before takeoff from an off-airport grass field, he consulted his mentor on best practices to takeoff and avoid obstacles. During the takeoff roll, he realized that the planned flightpath was "risky," so he "made a ground track deviation." Subsequently, the left wing struck a guy wire and folded back, and the right wing struck another guy wire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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