On October 4, 1993, a Piper PA-18 (registration N82231) operated by Tracy J. Vrem was involved in an aviation accident near Pilot Point, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately remove frost from the wings and his decision to pilot the aircraft from the passenger seat while a client occupied the front seat, which contributed to the aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A guide-pilot attempted takeoff from a remote strip while piloting from the passenger seat with a client in the front. Inadequate frost removal on the wings contributed to an aerodynamic stall shortly after becoming airborne.
What happened
The pilot, who was serving as both guide and pilot in command, attempted to take off from a remote airstrip. During this operation, the pilot controlled the aircraft from the passenger seat while a client occupied the front seat. The passenger assisted with the takeoff procedure by applying the flaps during the ground run.
The wings had an inadequate removal of frost. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that there was an inadequate removal of frost from the wings prior to the flight attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately remove frost from the wings and his decision to pilot the aircraft from the passenger seat while a client occupied the front seat, which contributed to the aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff.
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