No fatalities

16 Jun 2019: Piper PA18 135 — Proflite of Alaska, LLC — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On 16 Jun 2019, a Piper PA18 135 operated by Proflite of Alaska, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial right wing damage after the student pilot's premature rotation attempt led to an aborted takeoff and exit onto wet grass.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that a pilot-rated student completed a confined landing on a slough with minimal corrections during a training flight. During the subsequent takeoff from a lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step. Just prior to lift-off, while still below takeoff speed, the student abruptly attempted to rotate the airplane out of the water. This action caused the heels of the floats to dig into the water, reducing airspeed.

Instructor Intervention

The instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that insufficient water remained for a continued takeoff, the instructor aborted the takeoff. The airplane then exited the water onto wet grass, and the right wing impacted the ground.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft Information

The airplane involved was a float-equipped type, used for instructional purposes. No further details about the aircraft model, registration, or operator were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Instructor/check pilot