Piper PA 12
Healy, AK — September 15, 2019
Event Information
| Date | September 15, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA551 |
| Event ID | 20190917X44914 |
| Location | Healy, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 63.95111, -144.67166 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA 12 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while taking off from water in shifting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
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.
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.