N4BZ

Substantial
None

DIEHL WILLIAM A S-4S/N: 004

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 5, 2008
NTSB Number
ANC08CA118
Location
Galena, AK
Event ID
20081003X62315
Coordinates
64.733886, -156.926391
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 failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during takeoff, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4BZ
Make
DIEHL WILLIAM A
Serial Number
004
Year Built
1991
Model / ICAO
S-4

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KYZER DAVID D
Address
4620 SANDY BEACH
Status
Deregistered
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99502
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo private pilot of the float-equipped airplane, was taking off from a remote lake for a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot of the helicopter that recovered the airplane, the accident pilot told him that he was taking off from the lake, and the airplane would not come up on step. He told the helicopter pilot that he didn't think he had pumped all the water out of the floats prior to takeoff, and that during the takeoff roll he lost control, and the airplane impacted the water. The helicopter pilot said there was substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC08CA118