Casualties unknown

Pilot with Expired Certificate Reports Takeoff with Ice on Wing (N8569D)

Pilot Point, AK, US

On December 22, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8569D) operated by Carlson, Jens P. was involved in an aviation accident near Pilot Point, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT TO REMOVE ICE/FROST FROM THE WING(S) PRIOR TO FLIGHT. HIS LACK OF TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION WERE PROBABLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A non-certificated pilot reported attempting takeoff with light rime ice on the right wing. With a light crosswind, insufficient airspeed caused a right wing stall and wing strike on the runway. FAA records showed the pilot's student certificate had expired in 1981.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that during takeoff, light rime ice was present on the airplane's right wing. According to the pilot, the takeoff occurred with a light crosswind component. The aircraft did not achieve sufficient airspeed to offset the loss of lift on the right wing caused by the ice accumulation. Shortly after becoming airborne, the right wing stalled and contacted the runway surface.

FAA Records

Examination of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records revealed that the pilot's student pilot certificate had expired in 1981. At the time of the incident, the pilot was not in possession of a valid pilot certificate.

No further details regarding the aircraft, location, or injuries were provided in the investigative source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29902. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.