Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Skwentna, AK — 2019-09-23

Final reportGAA19CA564
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Date
2019-09-23
Location
Skwentna, AK, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N5408Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface covered with standing water, which resulted in a noseover.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he conducted an off-airport takeoff from a surface covered with standing water. The water created excess drag on the main landing gear, the tail lifted, and the airplane then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to add more weight in the tail, avoid taking off in water, and to abort the takeoff when first signs of trouble arise.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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