Piper PA-18-150 N760WB

Summary

On 12 May 2000 at about 17:38 local time, a Piper PA-18-150 registered N760WB, operated by William O. Rabitaille, was involved in an accident near Fernandina Bch, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 May 2000 at 17:38

Classification

Accident

Location

Fernandina Bch, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Fernandina Beach Municipal (55J)

Coordinates

30.6094, -81.4606

Aircraft

Piper PA-18-150

Registration

N760WB

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

William O. Rabitaille

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fernandina Bch → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA00LA152

1 person was seriously injured.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall., in-flight collision with terrain, and subsequent nose over.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated the engine lost power on initial takeoff climb at about 200 feet. He attempted a forced landing by applying full left rudder and forward stick to maintain airspeed. He said he had no further recollection of the accident. Witness stated they observed the airplane on climb out. The airspeed was described as slow. The airplane was observed to make a steep left turn (45-degrees or more) between 200 to 250 feet. The nose of the airplane pitched down and the airplane collided with terrain. Examination of the flight control system and engine assembly revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.