On July 11, 1983, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1423Z) operated by Neil Arthur Webster was involved in an aviation accident near Ninilchik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff in increasing wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced control difficulty shortly after becoming airborne on a beach takeoff in increasing winds, resulting in a crash.
What happened
The pilot selected a 1500-foot area of moist sand along a beach for the takeoff. During the two and a half hours spent on the ground, the wind speed reportedly increased from 10 knots to 20 knots. The pilot departed into the wind with one notch (10 degrees) of flaps extended. The aircraft rolled approximately 50 feet before becoming airborne. As the aircraft departed ground effect, the pilot experienced control difficulty. The aircraft subsequently entered a right bank and began descending before crashing.
Findings
The pilot stated that the left wing fuel tank was low on fuel while the right tank remained full.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff in increasing wind conditions.
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