PIPER PA-18-135 — Sikeston, MO

What happened

The single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane was destroyed by post impact fire when the airplane impacted a metal carport type structure during takeoff roll from a private grass airstrip. No witnesses observed the airplane’s takeoff roll and impact with the metal structure. One witness reported that he heard the airplane during the takeoff roll and that the engine sounded like it was operating normally prior to impact. The airplane was departing to the south and the wind was from the west at about 10 knots. The on-site investigation revealed that there was a single tire imprint about 445 feet long which led from the right side of the runway centerline to the impact area on the metal structure. The airplane wreckage was located about 85 feet past the metal structure. Ground scars that were consistent with propeller strikes were found between the metal structure and the airplane wreckage. The inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The pilot who owned the airplane was in the rear seat, but he was not a certificated instructor pilot. The pilot rated passenger did not have a tailwheel endorsement to fly the airplane as required by the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61. The airplane owner’s handbook stated, “Solo operation of both models is normally from the front seat although rear seat operation is entirely feasible.”

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.