N9591C

On June 25, 2004, about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Christen Husky A-1 airplane, N9591C, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with terrain, following an aborted landing on Heart Lake, about 80 miles east of Bethel, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological condition prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, about 1230.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 25, the pilot said he touched down on the surface of the lake "somewhat longer than intended," and he decided to abort the landing. He said he applied full power, but was unable to out climb the approaching terrain, and the left float struck an embankment as the airplane passed over the shoreline. The pilot said after striking the embankment the airplane skidded along the ground and into a pond. He said the airplane came to rest in an upright position, but the left wing and lift strut were damaged in the accident. He said there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.