On 20 Oct 2012, a PIPER PA-18-125 was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff from a tidal beach, a tailwheel-equipped airplane's right wingtip struck alder brush after the pilot lost visual reference due to sun glare, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage.
Accident Details
A pilot was departing from a tidal beach in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported losing visual reference through the windscreen because the sun was in his eyes. This loss of visibility led the pilot to allow the right wingtip to contact alder brush. The contact with the brush forced the airplane to ground loop.
Aircraft Damage
The ground loop resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot indicated that no preaccident mechanical anomalies existed with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the sun's position directly in his line of sight caused him to lose visual reference during the takeoff roll. He acknowledged that his action of allowing the wingtip to contact the brush was a consequence of the obscured vision.