N1455H

Substantial
None

Aeronca 15AC S/N: 525

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 21, 2000
NTSB Number
ANC00LA129
Location
ANCHORAGE, AK
Event ID
20001212X21895
Coordinates
61.160869, -149.989395
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for high, gusty wind conditions during water taxi. Factors associated with the accident are high and gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AERONCA
Serial Number
525
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1949
Model / ICAO
15AC AB11
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
15AC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
KEPHART WALTER F
Address
7821 LOTUS DR
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99502
Country
United States

Analysis

On September 21, 2000, at 1515 Alaska daylight time, an Aeronca 15AC airplane, N1455H, sustained substantial damage when it nosed down during taxi from landing at the Lake Hood Seaplane base, Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that after landing on the southeast waterway, he made a 90-degree turn to the left. During the turn, a gust of wind nosed the airplane down, and it collided with a dock. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar, rudder assembly, aileron, and windshield.

The 1453 ADT hourly weather observation taken at the Ted Stevens-Anchorage International Airport, located one-half mile west of the accident site, reported winds from 150 degrees at 27 knots, gusting to 38 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC00LA129