N5408Y

Substantial
None

Piper PA18S/N: 18-8171

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 23, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA564
Location
Skwentna, AK
Event ID
20190924X40244
Coordinates
61.769165, -151.584442
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface covered with standing water, which resulted in a noseover.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-8171
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1964
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HARGREAVES WILLIAM A
Address
12982 AXLINE RD
City
LOVETTSVILLE
State / Zip Code
VA 20180-2709
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he made an off-airport takeoff from a surface covered with standing water. The water created excess drag on the main landing gear, the tail rose and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.

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

The pilot added as a safety recommendation to add more weight in the tail, avoid taking off in water, and to abort the takeoff attempt when first signs of trouble arise.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA564