Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA99LA237

ORLANDO, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N1168D

DINKEL-BROOK CORP SEA REY

Analysis

The pilot set up for landing into the wind on a lake, and observed a Jet Ski about 1/4 mile from his intended landing site. After a complete stop landing, he saw the Jet Ski approaching from his left 'very rapidly.' He applied power for takeoff, and saw that the Jet Ski was about 40 yards from the airplane. He rotated, banked left, and the airplane stalled. He reduced power, and attempted to regain directional control with ailerons, the controls were unresponsive. The left wing struck the surface of the water.

Factual Information

On August 25, 1999, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Dinkel-Brook Sea Rey experimental airplane, N1168D, owned by an individual, collided with water near Orlando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight had departed from Lake Rose, Florida, at 1730. According to the pilot's statement, as he set up for landing into the wind, he noticed that, "...the only surface craft on the lake was a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) about 1/4 mile from my landing site...after a complete stop landing...I saw the Jet Ski approaching from my left very rapidly...I applied power for takeoff. As I came onto step I checked the Jet Ski position...and saw that it was still approaching fast and closed to about 40 yards. I applied back pressure and rotated. With a nose up climb position I could no longer see the Jet Ski. I banked left to see if I was clear and the airplane stalled. The controls were unresponsive, I reduced power immediately prior to the left wing impacting the water surface...." The FAA inspector stated, "...[the pilot] performed a premature takeoff to avoid collision with a personal watercraft. The aircraft stalled...airman reduced power...attempted to regain directional control with ailerons...."

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to recover.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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