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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 2, 2019 · Piper PA18 AS125 · N655HE

Beluga, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Beluga, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 AS125 (1952)
Tail Number
N655HE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA521

The pilot of the tailwheel- and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from an off-airport field, the airplane climbed to about 15 to 20 ft above ground level but then began to descend. He reported that a wind gust "pushed" the airplane down. He then verified that the engine was at full power and attempted to climb, but the left wheel struck the ground, and the airplane then veered left and came to rest in a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable, gusting to between 8 and 10 knots. The pilot added that, when the airplane encountered the wind gust, the notch of flaps he was using "dropped out." After verifying that the engine was at full power, he attempted to "grab [the] notch of flaps but [he] wasn't fast enough."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate climb rate during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff on an off-airport field, the airplane had climbed 15 to 20 ft above the ground, but then began to descend. He reported that a wind gust "pushed" the airplane down. He then verified that the engine was at full power and attempted to climb, but the airplane's left wheel struck the ground, the airplane veered left, and came to rest in a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable, gusting to 8 to 10 knots. The pilot added that when the airplane was "hit" by the wind gust, the notch of flaps he was using "dropped out." He then verified full power and attempted to "grab [the] notch of flaps but [he] wasn't fast enough."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 AS125
Tail NumberN655HE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindGusting 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point13 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.60 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data