Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE INADVERTENT COLLISION WITH A HIDDEN OBSTRUCTION AFTER SWERVING TO AVOID BIRDS DURING A WATER TAKEOFF.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On Friday, May 13, 1994, at 1735 eastern daylight time, an amphibian-equipped Cessna A185F, N30NC, registered to Larry Wallach and piloted by Arthur W. Watkins, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff on Hewlett Bay, Hempstead, New York. The pilot received minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot stated that he was conducting a water takeoff in a westerly direction, when he made a turn to avoid birds. He also reported, "To avoid [a] marsh I went further left, where I ran out of water."
The airplane entered shallow water, impacted terrain and nosed over. Both occupants were able to evacuate the airplane through the cabin door.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC94LA079