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Mikael Rovala PA-18 REPLICA | N43LK

September 27th, 2026 | Buffalo, Minnesota

Accident Location

  • City: Buffalo
  • State: Minnesota
  • Latitude: 45.1592
  • Longitude: -93.8433
  • Airport ID: KCFE

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N43LK
  • Make: Mikael Rovala
  • Model: PA-18 REPLICA
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Johnson, Aaron John
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 40
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: Yes
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: September 27th, 2026
  • Time: 4:10 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Takeoff
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 0
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. The accident aircraft impacted inside the airport boundary in a nearly vertical impact immediately after takeoff. The aircraft was fully loaded with fuel and supplies and may have been both over loaded and aft CG loaded, reducing elevator nose down authority during the full power climb.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: Pending.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.