Piper PA18
Skwentna, AK — September 23, 2019
Event Information
| Date | September 23, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA564 |
| Event ID | 20190924X40244 |
| Location | Skwentna, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.76917, -151.58444 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA18 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface covered with standing water, which resulted in a noseover.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he made an off-airport takeoff from a surface covered with standing water. The water created excess drag on the main landing gear, the tail rose and the airplane 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 attempt when first signs of trouble arise.
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.