Summary
On July 17, 1996, a Horton AVID FLYER MK IV (N3XP) was involved in an incident near Tenakee Springs, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Gusty winds were a factor in the accident.
On July 17, 1996, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped 1993 David Horton, Avid Flyer Mark IV, N3XP, crashed during landing on Pavlof Lake, about 9 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs, Alaska. The homebuilt airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The pilot reported that he was landing toward the east in calm wind conditions. After touch down, the pilot retracted the flaperons, slowed to about 20 miles per hour, and was settling off the float step.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC96LA100. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3XP.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Gusty winds were a factor in the accident.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 17, 1996, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped 1993 David Horton, Avid Flyer Mark IV, N3XP, crashed during landing on Pavlof Lake, about 9 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs, Alaska. The homebuilt airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The pilot reported that he was landing toward the east in calm wind conditions. After touch down, the pilot retracted the flaperons, slowed to about 20 miles per hour, and was settling off the float step. A gust of wind struck the left side of the airplane and tilted the right wing down. The right wing tip contacted the water and the airplane rolled up onto the front of the right float assembly. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane received damage to the right wing tip and ribs.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC96LA100