The pilot reported that he taxied the Piper PA18 to the south end of a friend’s private field in Bowie, Texas, completed an engine run-up, and “checked all systems,” with no anomalies noted.
He began the ground roll on a 300° heading and extended the flaps around 40 mph indicated airspeed (IAS). The airplane lifted off with a normal ascent rate and he retracted the flaps about 50 mph IAS.
The pilot reported that “it felt like a gust [of wind] picked our left wing up,” so he pushed the control stick to the left, but the airplane did not respond. He moved the control stick back to a neutral position then again to the left, but the airplane still did not respond. The airplane continued to bank right and descend as the pilot attempted to bring the wings level.
As the airplane approached the ground the pilot pulled the throttle control to idle, then the plane hit a metal building frame on the northeast side of the field. The airplane came to rest upright and the two occupants were able to get out of the plane without injury.
An FAA inspector examined the grass field and determined that the airplane’s tire tracks were oriented on a 310° heading. The inspector’s examination further revealed that all flight control cables were attached to their respective control surfaces except for one impact-related separation. The right aileron control cable was separated and exhibited damage, which was determined to be from the impact sequence. The inspector could not find any mechanical reason for the reported right bank.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled turn and descent into terrain.
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This April 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I’m betting he had right rudder buried the whole time.
That is one mangled Super Cub!
Guys were very lucky!!!
Depending on overall conditions, which was apparently fast and abrupt, rudder input may well have stalled the upwind wing, especially since it was already high.
If you can’t get a wings level with ailerons then help with the rudder works! Everyone forgets what the feet can do. Practice making turns without touching the stick or yoke and you will understand. I have pilots fly the whole pattern without touching the stick or yoke.