Casualties unknown

1985-06-09: Piper J-3 (N6544H) — Gaylord, MI

Gaylord, MI, US

On June 9, 1985, a Piper J-3 (registration N6544H) was involved in an aviation accident near Gaylord, MI. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A float plane attempting to cross a lake in gusty winds capsized after the pilot started the engine by hand-propping and shifted position.

Incident Overview

A float plane capsized and sustained damage while the pilot attempted to cross a lake under windy conditions. The wind was reported from 270 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 40 knots.

Pilot's Account

In an initial statement, the pilot said he attempted to take the float plane across the lake. He later revised his account, stating that he was "sailing" the aircraft across the lake for mooring purposes with the engine not running. When the winds threatened to cause a loss of control, he started the engine by hand-propping it. As he shifted his position from the float back to the cockpit, the wind caught a wing and turned the aircraft over, resulting in the capsize.

Damage

The aircraft capsized and was damaged. Specific details of the damage were not provided.

Environmental Conditions

The wind was from 270 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 40 knots. No other weather information was reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36705. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.