# NTSB ANC92LA170: Piper PA-18, N1299C, Anchorage, AK, September 16, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1992, 17:26 local (Sep 16, 1992, 01:26 UTC)
- Place: Anchorage, AK
- Coordinates: 61.110713, -149.900604 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1107&lon=-149.9006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5809
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5809/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA170

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR FLOAT PLANE OPERATIONS AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  HIGH GUSTY WINDS, THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE, AND INADEQUATE RECURRENT TRAINING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate recurrent training, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT ATTEMPTED CROSS WIND TAKEOFF IN HIGH GUSTY WINDS FROM SMALL RESIDENTIAL LAKE.  WITNESSES REPORTED AIRCRAFT TO TAKEOFF PREMATURELY, ROLL 90 DEGREES, STRIKING THE WATER. THE PILOT LACKED RECENT EXPERIENCE, 'HAVING NOT FLOWN IN QUITE SOME TIME,' AND DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT MEDICAL OR BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1299C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1299C-2021-12-04), registration cancelled 2021-12-04, S/N 18-2512, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-2512
- Airframe hours: 5700
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John P. Lambe
- Registered owner: John P. Lambe
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 5, 1992, 69 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: expired; seat: front; flight hours: 2,000 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 30 knots, gusting 35
- Temperature: 43 °F

## 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 19920915036689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920915036689A), Sep 15, 1992: Piper PA18135, Anchorage, AK, Substantial damage. Crosswind gust raised wing on water takeoff. Low wing hit rough lake water. Cartwheeled. Wind and wave factor.

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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