Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's (1) improper decision to initiate a takeoff with ice on the wing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During prelight, the pilot noticed ice on the right wing. He said the leading edge and forward 18 inches of the wing were clear of ice. He did not remove the ice and initiated a takeoff. The right wing would not come up with full left aileron and the airplane drifted right of the runway. The pilot did not abort the takeoff until after the airplane had drifted right of the runway and the the right wing struck a pole. When the power was retarded the airplane settled into birch trees and a raspberry bog.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 24, 1994, at 1130 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N112KF, piloted by Mr. George Higgins, of Presque Isle, Maine, struck trees while taking off from a private airstrip at Lucky's Landing, Glenburn, Maine. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was departing from a small grass airport that is next to the Lucky's Landing seaplane base, Glenburn. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated: On pre flight ice was noted on right wing, but none closer than 18 inches from leading edge. Made soft field takeoff - right wing did not come up with full left aileron - there fore plane turned to right side of runway - right wing tip struck a bird house on a 6 foot pole - throttle closed - plane was drawn into raspberry bushes and both wings impacted small white birch trees. -