# NTSB SEA04LA172: Tubbs PA-18-225 DD, N7993A, Salmon, ID, August 21, 2004

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 21, 2004, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Salmon, ID
- Coordinates: 45.123332, -113.881385
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1233&lon=-113.8814&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 2004
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 60296
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA04LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60296/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA172

## Probable cause

Directional control not maintained during the takeoff roll resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent nose over.  Factors include a drainage ditch.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Overrun, takeoff - roll/run
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

In a written statement the pilot reported that the airplane "veered to the left" shortly after commencing the takeoff roll.  The pilot reported that corrective actions were taken, however, he was unable to correct the situation before the airplane exited the runway edge.  After exiting the runway, the airplane encountered a drainage ditch and nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer.  The pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident.  No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

## Factual narrative

On August 21, 2004, about 1000 mountain daylight time, a tail-wheel equipped 2004 Tubbs PA-18-225 DD, N7993A, sustained substantial damage following a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over at the Lemhi County Airport, Salmon, Idaho.  The airplane is owned by the pilot and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred.  The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the proposed flight.

In a written statement the pilot reported that the airplane "veered to the left" shortly after commencing the takeoff roll.  The pilot reported that corrective actions were taken, however, he was unable to correct the situation before the airplane exited the runway edge.  After exiting the runway, the airplane encountered a drainage ditch and nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer.

No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported.

The pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7993A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Tubbs PA-18-225 DD
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: Pa0204
- Airframe hours: 25
- Engines: Lycoming O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: John R. Gregory
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2004, 25 hours before
- Departed: SMN, Salmon, ID
- Destination: SMN, Salmon, ID
- Airport: SMN, Lemhi County, runway 35, 5,150 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review June 3, 2003; seat: front; flight hours: 4,150 total, 690 in this make and model, 4,150 as pilot in command, 130 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 20040821018949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040821018949A), Aug 21, 2004: Amtr PA18225DD, Salmon, ID, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot explained that he was initiating a takeoff on runway 35 at Salmon, the tail of the aircraft came up quick and the aircraft started heading to…

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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