Accident Overview
On August 15, 2020, at approximately 1307 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18, registration N2510H, was destroyed in an accident near Brandon, Minnesota. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported landing to the south and then turning around to take off to the north from his private grass runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, the engine lost power. The pilot initially considered landing on the remaining runway, believing the engine had regained power. However, due to the runway length, he elected to continue the takeoff. Because of obstacles at the departure end of the runway, he turned the airplane toward a wheat field. While maneuvering, the landing gear struck a 4-foot-high steel post attached to a fence in the field. The airplane came to rest upright in the field. After the occupants exited, a post-crash fire consumed the airplane.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane struck the steel post about 4 feet above the ground. The airplane came to rest approximately 150 feet from the point of impact with the post. Evidence indicated that the airplane rotated about 90 degrees to the right before striking the ground. Although the post-impact fire destroyed most of the airplane, all flight control continuities were confirmed. Engine control continuity was also established. Due to extensive fire damage, the engine could not be rotated, and a detailed examination was not possible.
Environmental Conditions
According to the carburetor icing probability chart in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, with a temperature of 18°C and a dew point of 2°C (16°C dew point depression), the airplane was operating within the range of serious icing in glide power.