Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Takeoff on Sandbar, Airplane Noses Over (N3695P)

Glennallen, AK, US

On August 10, 2003, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3695P) was involved in an aviation accident near Glennallen, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was the soft sand of the sandbar. 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 aborted takeoff from a sandbar after insufficient acceleration; during deceleration, main wheels hit deep sand, causing a nose-over and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported landing an airplane on a sandbar to have lunch. During a subsequent takeoff attempt, the aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. As the airplane slowed, the main wheels encountered deep sand, resulting in a nose-over. The accident caused substantial damage to the tail and a lift strut.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, after landing on the sandbar for a lunch break, he initiated a takeoff. The airplane did not reach the expected acceleration, leading him to discontinue the takeoff. He noted that as the airplane decelerated, the main wheels met deep sand, which led to the nose-over. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Damage

Substantial damage was sustained to the tail section and one lift strut. No further details on damage were provided.

Investigation

The incident occurred during a recreational flight. The investigation is based solely on the pilot's description of events. No mechanical issues were identified before the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030811X01303. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.