Piper PA18
Big Flats, NY — October 10, 2019
Event Information
| Date | October 10, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA20CA008 |
| Event ID | 20191010X03615 |
| Location | Big Flats, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.11722, -76.91833 |
| 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 flight planning and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, prior to takeoff on 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 flight path was "risky", so he "made a ground track deviation." The left wing struck a guy wire, 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.
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.