No fatalities

Hard Landing on Lake Results in Float Failure and Aircraft Sinking (N4468P)

Millinocket Lke, ME, US

On June 30, 1984, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N4468P) was involved in an aviation accident near Millinocket Lke, ME. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and his daughter escaped injury after a hard landing on a calm lake caused the left float to split, sinking the aircraft in 40 feet of water.

Incident Overview

A seaplane sustained damage after being landed hard on the glassy smooth surface of a lake. The pilot acknowledged that the landing was hard, and immediately after touchdown, the left float split open. The aircraft subsequently sank in 40 feet of water.

Occupants and Injuries

The pilot and his daughter were the occupants of the aircraft as it sank. Both escaped without injury.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the lake surface was calm and smooth at the time of the landing.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a student pilot certificate and had accumulated only 6.5 hours in this make of aircraft, of which 3.5 hours were logged as pilot-in-command (PIC).

Aftermath

The pilot did not file an accident report and has moved, leaving no forwarding address. There is no record of a continuing interest in flying, possibly due to financial loss.

Note: Specific details such as aircraft type, registration, date, and location are not available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jun 1984 Maule M-5-235C accident near Millinocket Lke, ME?

A student pilot and his daughter escaped injury after a hard landing on a calm lake caused the left float to split, sinking the aircraft in 40 feet of water.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 1984 Maule M-5-235C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jun 1984 involved a Maule M-5-235C, registration N4468P, at Millinocket Lke, ME.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40082. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.