On July 13, 1989, a Piper J-3 (registration N27024) operated by Wilkinson, Robert was involved in an aviation accident near Parker Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to achieve sufficient airspeed during takeoff from a lake surface, resulting in an inability to climb out of ground effect. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft attempting takeoff from a lake surface flew approximately 200 feet before settling into an adjacent swamp area during calm weather conditions with rain showers.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the takeoff phase from a lake, the aircraft achieved an altitude of approximately 200 feet before settling into a nearby swamp. In a post-accident statement, the pilot noted experiencing excessive back pressure on the control stick and indicated that additional speed at lift-off would have been beneficial. The weather conditions at the time included calm winds and rain showers in the area. It was also noted that another part of the lake surface offered a longer takeoff run.
The investigation
No mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.
Findings
Excessive back pressure on the control stick during takeoff
Insufficient speed at lift-off
Calm wind conditions and rain showers
Availability of a longer takeoff area on another part of the lake
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to achieve sufficient airspeed during takeoff from a lake surface, resulting in an inability to climb out of ground effect.
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