N655HE is a 1952 Piper PA-18AS-125. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 2 seats, powered by a Lycoming 0-290 series rated at 140 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Wasilla, AK. Its multiple airworthiness certificate was issued in Jul 1965. It has been registered to its current owner since Jan 2023. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 74 years old
- Only 5 Piper PA-18AS-125 here
2023
1965
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N655HE's record changes.
The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff on an off-airport field, the airplane had climbed 15 to 20 ft above the ground, but then began to descend. He reported that a wind gust "pushed" the airplane down. He then verified that the engine was at full power and attempted to climb, but the airplane's left wheel struck the ground, the airplane veered left, and came to rest in a ditch.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable, gusting to 8 to 10 knots.
The pilot added that when the airplane was "hit" by the wind gust, the notch of flaps he was using "dropped out." He then verified full power and attempted to "grab [the] notch of flaps but [he] wasn't fast enough."
No photos yet. Sign in to add the first one.