N5462E

On March 29, 1996, about 0850 Alaska Standard time, a float equipped Helio Courier airplane, N5462E, sustained minor damage when it collided with the water during takeoff from the sea near the Hidden Falls Fish Hatchery. The Hidden Falls Fish Hatchery is located approximately 20 miles south of Angoon, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the sole passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand charter flight was operated by L.A.B. Flying Service, Inc.,in visual meteorological conditions. A company flight plan was in effect.

The NTSB investigator-in-charge spoke with the pilot on March 29. The pilot related that he had picked up a passenger at the fish hatchery, and was attempting to takeoff to the north-northeast. The pilot estimated the prevailing wind to be from the north- northwest at 5 to 10 knots, with gusts to 15 to 20 knots. Shortly after liftoff, at an altitude of approximately 15 feet above the water, the pilot said the airplane encountered a windgust and that he was unable to maintain altitude. The airplane subsequently impacted the water on the heel of the floats, rotated forward, and caught the toe of the floats. The pilot said the right float partially separated from the airplane; the left float remained attached. The airplane nosed down, yet remained afloat. The pilot and passenger climbed onto the left float and awaited rescue.

Rescuers arrived at the airplane approximately 30 minutes after the mishap. When the pilot and passenger were removed from the float, the airplane rolled over to an inverted position. The airplane was towed to shallower water, and eventually recovered.