Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA551

Healy, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N4315M

Piper PA 12

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while taking off from water to the east, the wind shifted from the east to the south. The airplane became airborne and then aerodynamically stalled, and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water takeoff to the east, the wind shifted from the east to the south. The airplane became airborne, aerodynamically stalled, and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. 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 from 115° at 30 knots, gusting to 30 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while taking off from water in shifting wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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