PIPER PA 20
Nikolai Creek, AK — May 19, 2016
Event Information
| Date | May 19, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA252 |
| Event ID | 20160523X64922 |
| Location | Nikolai Creek, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.10444, -151.37416 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area resulting in an airplane nose over during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he took off from grassy, wet, down sloping terrain. He recalled that he walked the area of intended takeoff and found no obstacles that would prevented a safe takeoff. However, he reported that during the takeoff roll, he kept the airplane tailwheel off of the ground, while rolling down slope, and the airplane main landing gear wheels rolled over a patch of mud creating a pivot point, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing struts.
The pilot reported that there were not any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane, prior to the takeoff roll that would have precluded normal flight operations.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.