N82907

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7909031

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, September 17, 2011
NTSB Number
ANC11CA105
Location
Bethel, AK
Event ID
20110921X93314
Coordinates
60.792778, -161.821395
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7909031
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LAW OFFICES OF DAVID HENDERSON
Address
3003 MINNESOTA DR STE 203
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99503-3673
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff in his float-equipped airplane, he realized that the airplane was not going to become airborne before reaching the departure end of the lake. He closed the engine throttle in an attempt to abort the takeoff, but the airplane struck the shoreline and came to rest on the tundra adjacent to the lake, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. He stated the automated weather observation from an airport approximately 1 mile south of the lake was reporting wind from the east-northeast, but the wind appeared calm on the lake. He made the decision to takeoff to the west due to the calm wind, and to stay away from aircraft departing to the north from the nearby airport. He indicated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane, and that the accident could have been prevented if he had aborted the takeoff sooner.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA105