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NTSB Report
July 3, 1990 · Piper PA-18 · N4878A
Gakona, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Gakona, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N4878A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC90LA109
WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE PERFORM WHAT APPEARED TO BE A NORMAL TAKEOFF. AT APPROXIMATELY 150 FEET, THE AIRPLANE MADE A STEEP, CLIMBING LET TURN. THE LEFT WING DROPPED SUDDENLY, QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY THE NOSE. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY STRUCK THE GROUND WITH A STEEP NOSE DOWN PITCH ATTITUDE. THE WITNESSES SAID THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WS DEVELOPING FULL POWER THROUGHOUT THE TAKEOFF AND ALL THE WAY TO IMPACT. AN INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE AND AIRFRAME DISCLOSED NO APPARENT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS OR ANOMALIES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE PERFORM WHAT APPEARED TO BE A NORMAL TAKEOFF. AT APPROXIMATELY 150 FEET, THE AIRPLANE MADE A STEEP, CLIMBING LET TURN. THE LEFT WING DROPPED SUDDENLY, QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY THE NOSE. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY STRUCK THE GROUND WITH A STEEP NOSE DOWN PITCH ATTITUDE. THE WITNESSES SAID THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WS DEVELOPING FULL POWER THROUGHOUT THE TAKEOFF AND ALL THE WAY TO IMPACT. AN INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE AND AIRFRAME DISCLOSED NO APPARENT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS OR ANOMALIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 AKDT
Nearest AirportGAKONA (0nm N)
Runway6
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN4878A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO