Cessna 180 N2996C accident near Willow, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to takeoff from an unsuitable runway due to large puddles of water, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that flooding had recently occurred at his location and standing water remained in some places on the runway. He taxied up and down the runway and determined it was safe to depart. During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced resistance when it contacted the first puddle of water, which forced the nose of the airplane down, resulting in a nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA101 for the full record.