N69MX

Substantial
None

Kermit Weeks QuicksilverS/N: 423

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 25, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA545
Location
Polk City, FL
Event ID
20091001X40750
Coordinates
28.166944, -81.808052
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 adequately inspect the landing gear floats for water prior to takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
KERMIT WEEKS
Serial Number
423
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1994
Model / ICAO
QuicksilverBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
QUICKSLVR SPRINT II

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WEEKS KERMIT
Address
1400 BROADWAY BLVD SE
City
POLK CITY
State / Zip Code
FL 33868-9109
Country
United States

Analysis

After the pilot landed the amphibious ultralight on a lake, he taxied to the seaplane ramp and parked with about 25 percent of the floats in the water. After about 45 minutes, he attempted a takeoff on the lake and the ultralight would not lift off. He checked the floats and found a significant amount of water inside. He pumped out what he thought was all of the water and attempted another water takeoff; again the aircraft would not become airborne. He began to taxi back to the hangar and decided to perform a takeoff on the grass runway to avoid taxiing over some rough terrain. Shortly after takeoff, the nose pitched up to an excessive angle. The pilot attempted to maintain aircraft control; however the ultralight settled and impacted the runway, resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was water in the floats after the accident and that he did not inspect the floats for water before the final takeoff attempt.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA545