Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's (1) improper decision to initiate a takeoff with ice on the wing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 24, 1994, at 1130 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N112KF, piloted by Mr. George Higgins, of Presque Isle, Maine, struck trees while taking off from a private airstrip at Lucky's Landing, Glenburn, Maine. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which operated under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot was departing from a small grass airport that is next to the Lucky's Landing seaplane base, Glenburn.
In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated:
On pre flight ice was noted on right wing, but none closer than 18 inches from leading edge.
Made soft field takeoff - right wing did not come up with full left aileron - there fore plane turned to right side of runway - right wing tip struck a bird house on a 6 foot pole - throttle closed - plane was drawn into raspberry bushes and both wings impacted small white birch trees.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC95LA037