Accident Details
On March 4, 2009, at approximately 1500 central standard time, a single-engine Piper PA-18A airplane, registration N3352B, was substantially damaged following a loss of control shortly after takeoff from a private airfield near Wood Lake, Nebraska. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Passenger Account
The pilot and passenger had planned an aerial tour of the surrounding area. The pilot performed a routine walk-around preflight inspection before departing from a grass field runway. In his Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), the pilot stated that he had no memory of the actual crash. No witnesses to the accident were reported.
The passenger, who had flown in a small airplane only once before, reported that the lift-off appeared smooth and that he did not hear any changes in the engine sound or an engine cough. The passenger stated that after the airplane climbed to about 50 feet in the air, it dived sharply to the right and dove straight to the ground. He added that the pilot said, "I think we're going down."
Examination
Photographs of the scene and information provided by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector indicated that the airplane impacted the terrain in a nose-down attitude. An on-site examination was conducted. The engine was rotated by the propeller, and continuity to the rear of the engine and cylinders was established; the spark plugs appeared normal. Continuity of the airplane's flight controls was also confirmed.
Weather Conditions
At 1450, the automated weather station located approximately 15 miles east-southeast of the accident site reported winds from 170 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 72 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.65 inches of mercury.