N4315M

Substantial
None

Piper PA 12S/N: 12-3248

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 15, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA551
Location
Healy, AK
Event ID
20190917X44914
Coordinates
63.951110, -144.671661
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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while taking off from water in shifting wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-3248
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
PA 12M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ARNTSON LE DELLE E
Address
8841 PLUNGE CREEK CIR
City
EAGLE RIVER
State / Zip Code
AK 99577-8561
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water takeoff to the east, the wind shifted from the east to the south. The airplane became airborne, aerodynamically stalled, and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind was from 115° at 30 knots, gusting to 30 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA551