# NTSB ANC87LA061: Piper PA-18, N7081D, Goose Bay, AK, April 18, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1987, 19:00 local (Apr 18, 1987, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Goose Bay, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4842
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA061
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4842/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA061

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AT A GRAVEL AIR STRIP HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO NOSE OVER ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7081D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7081D-2017-04-13), registration cancelled 2017-04-13, S/N 18-5567, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 185567
- Airframe hours: 8354
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary H. Baker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 30, 1987, 20 hours before
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Airport: 240, Goose Bay, runway 25, 5,000 × 80 ft, snow

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 125 total, 4 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870417010309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870417010309A), Apr 17, 1987: Piper PA18150, Goose Bay, AK, Substantial damage. The aircraft nosed over on the runway during touch and go landings. The pilot misapplied the wheel brakes.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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