Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA385

Skwentna, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N3914M

Piper PA 12

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll from a backcountry airstrip, about midpoint, the airplane failed to lift off, so he aborted the takeoff. He reduced the throttle and applied the brakes. As the airplane slowed and while the pilot was reaching for the mixture lever, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll, from a backcountry strip, about midpoint, the airplane did not lift off, so he aborted takeoff. He reduced the throttle and applied the brakes. As the airplane slowed, while reaching for the mixture lever, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's use of excessive brakes during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports