# NTSB SEA05LA005: Piper PA-18-150, N6410W, Oak Harbor, WA, October 13, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 13, 2004, 14:50 local (21:50 UTC) - Place: Oak Harbor, WA - Coordinates: 48.32056, -122.629867 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.3206&lon=-122.6299&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 60334 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA05LA005 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60334/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA005 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with terrain. ## Analysis In a written statement, and subsequent interview, the pilot reported that this was the airplane's first flight following a complete restoration and that he intended to fly in the local area to evaluate the airplane's systems. He further stated that he was unable to recall any of the detailed events associated with the flight operation. The airplane wreckage was located on the airfield approximately 700 feet west and 200 feet north of the threshold of runway 25. The airplane impacted terrain in a nose low attitude and came to rest in the inverted position. Witnesses observed the airplane taxi from the hangar area to the runway. The witnesses stated that they observed the pilot performing a run-up, however they did not witness the takeoff or crash. Post accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Factual narrative On October 13, 2004, about 1450 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N6410W, sustained substantial damage subsequent to an in-flight collision with terrain shortly after takeoff from the Wes Lupien Airport, Oak Harbor, Washington. The airplane is owned by the pilot and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. In a written statement, and subsequent interview with a representative from the NTSB, the pilot reported that this was the airplane's first flight following a complete restoration and that he intended to fly in the local area to evaluate the airplane's systems. He further stated that he was unable to recall any of the detailed events associated with the flight operation. The airplane wreckage was located on the airfield approximately 700 feet west and 200 feet north of the threshold of runway 25. The airplane impacted terrain in a nose low attitude and came to rest in the inverted position. On October 26, representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Lycoming and The New Piper Aircraft, Inc, examined the wreckage at a hangar facility in Oak Harbor. The examination revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction. Witnesses observed the airplane taxi from the hangar area to the runway. The witnesses stated that they observed the pilot performing a run-up, however they did not witness the takeoff or crash. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6410W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6410W), registered now, S/N 18-8178 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18-150 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-series) (registry code 41575, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-8178 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Roger D. Christensen - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 76S, Oak Harbor, WA - Airport: 76S, Oak Harbor Air Park, runway 25, 3,255 × 25 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2004; seat: front; flight hours: 6,200 total, 4,087 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 6 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.34 inHg - Observed at: KNUW, 13 nm away ## 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 20041013035609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041013035609A), Oct 13, 2004: Piper PA18150, Oak Harbor, WA, Destroyed. (-23) Aircraft sustained substantial damage subsequent to an in flight collision with terrain shortly after take off from Oak Harbor airport. No witnesses were… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.