N78463

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-12S/N: 12-1974

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 5, 2011
NTSB Number
ANC11CA094
Location
North Pole, AK
Event ID
20110904X12946
Coordinates
64.770553, -147.333618
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with the water.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-1974
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
PA-12PA12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HEDGES WILLIAM P
Address
PO BOX 144
City
ILIAMNA
State / Zip Code
AK 99606-0144
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane aborted 2 takeoffs to the north from a float pond, after failing to become airborne at his no-go decision point. He said the wind was variable, and he initiated a third takeoff to the south. The airplane lifted off prior to reaching the no-go point, but he felt he was not going to clear the trees at the shoreline. He said the wind may have changed direction or quit, and the airplane was near stall airspeed. He said he had no option but to increase the pitch attitude, at which time the airplane stalled, and impacted the pond.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA094