1992-09-16: Piper PA-18 — John P. Lambe — Anchorage, AK

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR FLOAT PLANE OPERATIONS AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH GUSTY WINDS, THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE, AND INADEQUATE RECURRENT TRAINING.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

PILOT ATTEMPTED CROSS WIND TAKEOFF IN HIGH GUSTY WINDS FROM SMALL RESIDENTIAL LAKE. WITNESSES REPORTED AIRCRAFT TO TAKEOFF PREMATURELY, ROLL 90 DEGREES, STRIKING THE WATER. THE PILOT LACKED RECENT EXPERIENCE, 'HAVING NOT FLOWN IN QUITE SOME TIME,' AND DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT MEDICAL OR BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-09-16 Piper PA-18 accident near Anchorage, AK?

PILOT ATTEMPTED CROSS WIND TAKEOFF IN HIGH GUSTY WINDS FROM SMALL RESIDENTIAL LAKE. WITNESSES REPORTED AIRCRAFT TO TAKEOFF PREMATURELY, ROLL 90 DEGREES, STRIKING THE WATER. THE PILOT LACKED RECENT EXPERIENCE, 'HAVING NOT FLOWN IN QUITE SOME TIME,' AND DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT MEDICAL OR BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-09-16 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N1299C, operated by John P. Lambe, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR FLOAT PLANE OPERATIONS AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH GUSTY WINDS, THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE, AND INADEQUATE RECURRENT TRAINING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15568. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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