10 Oct 2019: Piper PA18 150 — Harris Hill Soaring Corp

10 Oct 2019: Piper PA18 150 — Harris Hill Soaring Corp

No fatalities • Big Flats, NY, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flight planning and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, prior to takeoff on an off-airport grass field, he consulted his mentor on best practices to takeoff and avoid obstacles. During the takeoff roll, he realized that the planned flight path was "risky", so he "made a ground track deviation." The left wing struck a guy wire, folded back, and the right wing struck another guy wire.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Effect on operation
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 030/05kt, vis 10sm

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