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NTSB Report
May 19, 2016 · Piper PA 20 150 · N5589H
Nikolai Creek, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Nikolai Creek, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 20 150 (1951)
Tail Number
N5589H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA252
According to the pilot of the tailwheel landing gear-equipped airplane, he took off from grassy, wet, down sloping terrain. He recalled that he walked the area of intended takeoff and found no obstacles that would prevented a safe takeoff. However, he reported that during the takeoff roll, he kept the airplane tailwheel off of the ground, while rolling down slope, and the airplane main landing gear wheels rolled over a patch of mud creating a pivot point, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing struts. The pilot reported that there were not any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane, prior to the takeoff roll that would have precluded normal flight operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area resulting in an airplane nose over during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he took off from grassy, wet, down sloping terrain. He recalled that he walked the area of intended takeoff and found no obstacles that would prevented a safe takeoff. However, he reported that during the takeoff roll, he kept the airplane tailwheel off of the ground, while rolling down slope, and the airplane main landing gear wheels rolled over a patch of mud creating a pivot point, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing struts. The pilot reported that there were not any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane, prior to the takeoff roll that would have precluded normal flight operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 20 150
Tail NumberN5589H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind230° @ 13 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 43 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC