Cub Crafters CC18 N437CC accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s premature liftoff and subsequent settling of the airplane to the gravel airstrip.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was conducting a public aerial observation flight. During takeoff from an off-airport gravel airstrip, the airplane became airborne quickly. He added that the airplane settled back on the airstrip in a tail-low attitude, but he continued the takeoff. He "did not feel or hear any objects strike or damage the aircraft," and due to adverse weather conditions, he continued the flight to an alternate airport without further incident instead of continuing the observation flight.

Postaccident examination revealed leading edge damage and a hole in the left horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA521 for the full record.