On July 26, 1987, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N7470D) operated by Oliver J. Amend was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to take off in crosswind conditions that exceeded the demonstrated capability of the aircraft, which resulted in a right wing stall and subsequent impact with the shore. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float-equipped aircraft stalled its right wing during a crosswind takeoff attempt with gusts to 20 knots, spiraling into the shoreline.
What happened
The pilot of a float-equipped airplane attempted to initiate takeoff in conditions that exceeded the demonstrated crosswind capability of the aircraft. The departure was oriented toward the north. At the time of the event, winds were coming from the west with gusts reaching 20 knots.
During the takeoff roll and initial climb phase, the right wing stalled. This aerodynamic failure caused the aircraft to spiral to the right. The flight path intersected with the adjacent shoreline, resulting in a collision with the shore.
Probable cause
The pilot's attempt to take off in crosswind conditions that exceeded the demonstrated capability of the aircraft, which resulted in a right wing stall and subsequent impact with the shore.
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