Accident Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser N4135M, Saturday 8 July 2023

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Date:	Saturday 8 July 2023
Time:	14:00
Type:	Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N4135M
MSN:	12-3034
Year of manufacture:	1947
Total airframe hrs:	2534 hours
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Judith Gap, MT - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Lewistown Municipal Airport, MT (LWT/KLWT)
Destination airport:	Lewistown Municipal Airport, MT (LWT/KLWT)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot reported that he “failed to recon” the field he had just landed on. During his departure attempt, high density altitude and soft ground led to a longer than expected takeoff roll. While maneuvering to avoid a bank on the opposite side of a road the airplane struck a power pole resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The pilot's decision to take off on a soft field that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with a pole and terrain.

Accident investigation: