BELLEVUE, WA, USA
N16688
PIPER PA-18
THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE PRE-FLT CHECK, SHE NEGLECTED TO UNTIE THE REAR SEAT BELT FROM THE AFT CONTROL STICK. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR TAXI & TAKEOFF IN THIS FLOAT PLANE WAS TO KEEP THE STICK FULL AFT. SINCE THE ACFT WAS LOW ON FUEL & WAS TAKING OFF IN A HEADWIND, IT LIFTED OFF EARLY. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT 'TRIED TO MOVE THE STICK FORWARD AND FOUND IT LOCKED.' SHE RETARDED THE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FT ABOVE THE WATER. THE ACFT THEN NOSED DOWN & HIT THE WATER. THE PLT WAS WEARING A SPECIAL SAFETY HARNESS & WAS NOT INJURED. SHE STATED THAT HER PREFLT WAS TOO CASUAL. SHE RECOMMENDED BEING METHODICAL & USING A CHECK LIST.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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