9 Jun 2008: Piper Cub Crafters PA-18-150 — Herbert R. Holzapfel

9 Jun 2008: Piper Cub Crafters PA-18-150 — Herbert R. Holzapfel

No fatalities • Fall RiverMills, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff/landing area.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the business flight he landed in a pasture. The grassy field looked adequate for takeoff. The pilot stated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he did not observe a fence located at the distant end of the pasture. The airplane became airborne, and when it was about 6 feet in the air, the tail snagged a wire fence. Thereafter, the airplane descended into the ground. As the airplane decelerated it nosed over and came to rest partially submerged in water. The pilot reported that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction with his airplane.

Contributing factors

  • Fence/fence post
  • cause Capability exceeded

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/10kt, vis 10sm

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