Summary
On August 18, 2010, a Champion 7EC (N4697E) was involved in an incident near Soldotna, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb.
Moments after a calm-water takeoff, the single-engine floatplane stalled while in a climbing turn and impacted the water in a nose low attitude. The airplane came to rest nearly submerged with the empennage extending above the surface. The pilot and passenger were able to exit unassisted. During the mishap the airplane’s wing struts were bent and both floats were torn free from their mounts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC10CA070. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4697E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
Moments after a calm-water takeoff, the single-engine floatplane stalled while in a climbing turn and impacted the water in a nose low attitude. The airplane came to rest nearly submerged with the empennage extending above the surface. The pilot and passenger were able to exit unassisted. During the mishap the airplane’s wing struts were bent and both floats were torn free from their mounts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC10CA070