N1168D

On August 25, 1999, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Dinkel-Brook Sea Rey experimental airplane, N1168D, owned by an individual, collided with water near Orlando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight had departed from Lake Rose, Florida, at 1730.

According to the pilot's statement, as he set up for landing into the wind, he noticed that, "...the only surface craft on the lake was a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) about 1/4 mile from my landing site...after a complete stop landing...I saw the Jet Ski approaching from my left very rapidly...I applied power for takeoff. As I came onto step I checked the Jet Ski position...and saw that it was still approaching fast and closed to about 40 yards. I applied back pressure and rotated. With a nose up climb position I could no longer see the Jet Ski. I banked left to see if I was clear and the airplane stalled. The controls were unresponsive, I reduced power immediately prior to the left wing impacting the water surface...."

The FAA inspector stated, "...[the pilot] performed a premature takeoff to avoid collision with a personal watercraft. The aircraft stalled...airman reduced power...attempted to regain directional control with ailerons...."