On November 24, 1983, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1473C) was involved in an aviation accident near Great Pond, ME. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a hunting trip made a low pass to inspect a stream for rocks before landing. A deer jumped up beside the float plane, distracting the pilot. The floats contacted the ground, and the plane slid to a stop with substantial float damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that he was on a hunting trip in a bog area with a stream running through it. During a low pass intended to check for rocks in the stream before landing, a deer jumped up beside the float plane. The pilot stated that he was watching to see where the deer went when the floats contacted the ground.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting a low pass to survey the stream for potential hazards when the deer suddenly appeared. His attention shifted to following the animal's movements. As a result, the floats of the plane made contact with the ground. Subsequently, the aircraft slid to a stop with only the floats touching the ground.
Damage
The floats sustained substantial damage during the incident. No other damage was reported.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Nov 1983 Piper PA-18 accident near Great Pond, ME?
A pilot on a hunting trip made a low pass to inspect a stream for rocks before landing. A deer jumped up beside the float plane, distracting the pilot. The floats contacted the ground, and the plane slid to a stop with substantial float damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Nov 1983 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N1473C, at Great Pond, ME.
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