Piper PA-18-150 N3695Z accident near Sonora, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during takeoff the airplane felt like it was on the edge of an aerodynamic stall and would only climb to the top of ground effect. The pilot attempted to maintain 50 mph with aircraft pitch; however, the airplane drifted left and descended into terrain left of the runway and landed hard. During the hard landing, the right main landing gear collapsed which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.

Following the accident, the pilot initially reported the airspeed indications were normal during the flight. He then reported concerns with the airspeed indicator for possible water intrusion into the pitot/static system due to recent heavy rains which may have resulted in erroneous airspeed indications. The pitot/static system and airspeed indicator were tested by a maintenance facility which recovered the airplane and found to be within normal operating limitations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA134 for the full record.