On September 9, 1984, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3816Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Circle City, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to control the aircraft following takeoff, which was associated with the attachment of a boat to the float. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot tied a boat to the float prior to takeoff and was unable to roll out of a right turn. The aircraft pitched down and collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude.
What happened
Following takeoff, the pilot initiated a right turn but was unable to complete the rollout. During this maneuver, the aircraft pitched downward slightly. In an attempt to arrest the descent, the pilot applied full power and extended the flaps fully. Despite these efforts, the descent continued until the aircraft impacted the terrain. The collision occurred with the right wing striking the ground first, followed by the nose in a nose-down attitude.
The investigation
Examination of the circumstances surrounding the flight revealed that prior to departure, the pilot had secured a small boat to the top of the right float of the aircraft. This modification likely affected the aircraft's handling characteristics or balance during the turn.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to control the aircraft following takeoff, which was associated with the attachment of a boat to the float.
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