Piper PA18 N2765A accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The flight school owner reported that, while the pilot receiving instruction was taking off from a lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step and that, just before liftoff but with the airplane still below takeoff speed, he attempted to abruptly rotate the airplane out of the water. The float's heels impacted the water, which reduced the airspeed. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that there was insufficient water remaining to make a successful takeoff, the instructor retarded the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the water onto wet grass, and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The owner 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 GAA19CA348 for the full record.