PIPER PA-18-125
Cordova, AK — October 20, 2012
Event Information
| Date | October 20, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC13CA006 |
| Event ID | 20121026X75447 |
| Location | Cordova, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.24139, -147.04445 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-125 |
| 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 failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot was departing from a tidal beach in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that he lost visual reference through the windscreen because the sun was in his eyes, and he allowed the right wingtip to contact some alder brush, which forced the airplane to ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies 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.