DIEHL WILLIAM A S-4
Galena, AK — September 5, 2008
Event Information
| Date | September 5, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC08CA118 |
| Event ID | 20081003X62315 |
| Location | Galena, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 64.73389, -156.92639 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | DIEHL WILLIAM A |
| Model | S-4 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during takeoff, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane.
Full Narrative
The solo private pilot of the float-equipped airplane, was taking off from a remote lake for a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot of the helicopter that recovered the airplane, the accident pilot told him that he was taking off from the lake, and the airplane would not come up on step. He told the helicopter pilot that he didn't think he had pumped all the water out of the floats prior to takeoff, and that during the takeoff roll he lost control, and the airplane impacted the water. The helicopter pilot said there was substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.