Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadvertent activation of the brakes during the takeoff roll, and subsequent loss of control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 29, 1998, about 2122 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N5994Z, sustained substantial damage when it went off the side of runway 13 during takeoff from the Lake Hood Airstrip, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a local, visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on June 30, the pilot reported that he intended to do a few touch-and-go landings for pilot proficiency purposes. The pilot said, in part: "I applied full power for takeoff and the airplane pulled to the left and went off the runway and nosed over. I just forgot to take my feet off the brake pedals." The pilot indicated that there were no preimpact mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, and right wing lift strut.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC98LA086