Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over During Takeoff from Frozen Lake with Standing Water (N4492A)

Soldotna, AK, US

On February 11, 2003, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4492A) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was standing puddles of water on the frozen lake. 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 pilot reported that during takeoff from a frozen lake, the airplane nosed over after main wheels encountered deeper standing water than expected, resulting in wing and strut damage.

Pilot's Pre-Takeoff Assessment

The pilot stated that prior to takeoff, he inspected a large portion of the frozen lake to determine its suitability for use. He noted that recent rain had left approximately 2 inches of standing water on the ice-covered surface. Despite the standing water, the pilot considered the lake adequate for takeoff.

Takeoff and Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll, the tail of the airplane lifted, transferring the weight onto the main landing gear. Subsequently, the main wheels encountered water deeper than the pilot had anticipated. This caused the airplane to nose over.

Damage Sustained

The accident resulted in damage to the airplane's wing and lift strut.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030214X00219. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.