N95196

On October 22, 1998, at 1500 central daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D Float, N95196, piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage on impact with trees during climb. The pilot reported encountering wind shear or gusts while performing a series of take-off and landings. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed Sky Harbor Airport, Duluth, Minnesota, at 1300, to practice take off and landings at Fredenberg Lake, Duluth, Minnesota.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the winds were increasing while performing takeoff and landings on Fredenberg Lake. He stated that on climb out, at an airspeed of 75 mph over the southwestern shore, he experienced a wind shear that placed him into the tree tops of a pine forest. The pilot stated that the aircraft slid down the trees, landed tail first, and then came to rest on the tail and left wing tip. The pilot further reported that he should have landed when he first noticed gusty conditions.

Postaccident investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no anomalies with the aircraft.