21 Sep 2010: PIPER PA-18-150

21 Sep 2010: PIPER PA-18-150 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Skwentna, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's rapid application of throttle and carburetor heat causing the engine to hesitate and lose power during takeoff following an aborted landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported he was landing the float-equipped airplane on a lake in visual meteorological conditions during a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. Shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind turned the airplane, and the pilot elected to abort the landing. He said when he applied full throttle and carburetor heat to takeoff, the engine "stumbled and hesitated" and the airplane would not climb. The airplane descended and landed hard on the nearby tundra, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. In his written report to the NTSB, the pilot noted that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident, and that he should have applied the carburetor heat more slowly while operating at altitude.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 120/05kt, vis 25sm

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