On July 3, 1990, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4878A) was involved in an aviation accident near Gakona, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported seeing a normal takeoff, then at about 150 feet the airplane made a steep climbing left turn, the left wing dropped, and it struck the ground nose-down. No mechanical problems were found.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane perform what appeared to be a normal takeoff. When the airplane reached approximately 150 feet above the ground, it initiated a steep, climbing left turn. Suddenly, the left wing dropped, followed quickly by the nose dropping. The airplane subsequently struck the ground with a steep nose-down pitch attitude. Throughout the takeoff and until impact, witnesses reported that the engine sounded like it was developing full power.
Investigation
An inspection of the engine and airframe was conducted. No apparent mechanical problems or anomalies were disclosed. The investigation did not identify any pre-impact failures or malfunctions.
What happened in the 3 Jul 1990 Piper PA-18 accident near Gakona, AK?
Witnesses reported seeing a normal takeoff, then at about 150 feet the airplane made a steep climbing left turn, the left wing dropped, and it struck the ground nose-down. No mechanical problems were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4878A, at Gakona, AK.
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