N555AX

Substantial
Minor

PIPER/CUB CRAFTERS PA-18-150S/N: 9927CC

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 2, 2013
NTSB Number
ERA13CA353
Location
Eagle Bay, NY
Event ID
20130806X41101
Coordinates
43.831665, -74.848892
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to set the engine throttle to full power during a go-around.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER/CUB CRAFTERS
Serial Number
9927CC
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WALSH DAVID
Address
1303 E 2ND ST
City
NORTH PLATTE
State / Zip Code
NE 69101-5714
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the amphibian airplane reported that she was flying a visual approach to a lake, over mountainous terrain. On an approximate 3/4 mile final approach to the lake, she observed a boat near her intended landing area and performed a go-around to circle for another approach. During the go-around and turn, the pilot did not move the throttle lever to full power. About one-fourth through the turn, she noticed the airplane was descending and increased engine power. The airplane continued to descend and she increased engine power a second time; however, one of the airplane's floats contacted a tree and the airplane impacted the ground. The pilot further stated that the accident could have been prevented if she had flown a higher approach and increased the throttle to full engine power immediately during the go-around. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and the inspector did not observe any.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA353