Skwentna, AK, USA
N5408Y
Piper PA18
The pilot reported that he conducted an off-airport takeoff from a surface covered with standing water. The water created excess drag on the main landing gear, the tail lifted, and the airplane then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to add more weight in the tail, avoid taking off in water, and to abort the takeoff when first signs of trouble arise.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he made an off-airport takeoff from a surface covered with standing water. The water created excess drag on the main landing gear, the tail rose and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added as a safety recommendation to add more weight in the tail, avoid taking off in water, and to abort the takeoff attempt when first signs of trouble arise.
The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface covered with standing water, which resulted in a noseover.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
