Piper PA 18 N1277A accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface that had standing water, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on an off-airport grass strip, as the airplane reached flying speed, it encountered a puddle of water which was hidden in grass and the pilot lost control of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with tundra tussocks and a main landing gear collapse. The fuselage and left lift strut sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better walk down of the grass strip.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA080 for the full record.