N2765A

Substantial
None

Piper PA18S/N: 18-1824

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 16, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA348
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Event ID
20190617X21338
Coordinates
64.930000, -148.839996
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 receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2765A
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-1824
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
PO BOX 872453
Status
Deregistered
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99687-2453
Country
United States

Analysis

The flight instructor of the float equipped airplane reported that the pilot rated student completed a confined landing on a slough with minimal instructor corrections. During takeoff from the lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step, and just prior to lift off, but still below takeoff speed, the student abruptly attempted to rotate the airplane out of the water. The heels of the floats dug into the water which reduced the airspeed. The instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that there was insufficient water remaining, the takeoff was aborted. The airplane exited the water onto wet grass and the airplane's right wing impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA348