On June 9, 1986, an Aeronca 15 AC SEDAN (registration N1450H) was involved in an aviation accident near Neal Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent lift-off during taxiing with insufficient distance to complete the takeoff or turn, resulting in a lake landing and subsequent impact with the shoreline. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot inadvertently became airborne while taxiing for takeoff on a lake runway. Unable to stop before hitting the shore, the aircraft came to rest after striking the shoreline.
What happened
The incident occurred during ground operations at a water-based airfield. According to the pilot-in-command, the airplane was in the process of step taxiing in preparation for takeoff. During this maneuver, the aircraft inadvertently became airborne due to insufficient runway length available to complete the takeoff roll or execute a turn.
Upon realizing the situation, the pilot closed the throttle. The aircraft subsequently touched down on the surface of the lake. Despite these efforts, the pilot was unable to bring the airplane to a halt before it struck the shoreline. The aircraft came to rest after impacting the shore.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent lift-off during taxiing with insufficient distance to complete the takeoff or turn, resulting in a lake landing and subsequent impact with the shoreline.
What happened in the 9 Jun 1986 Aeronca 15 AC SEDAN accident near Neal Lake, AK?
A pilot inadvertently became airborne while taxiing for takeoff on a lake runway. Unable to stop before hitting the shore, the aircraft came to rest after striking the shoreline.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jun 1986 involved an Aeronca 15 AC SEDAN, registration N1450H, at Neal Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent lift-off during taxiing with insufficient distance to complete the takeoff or turn, resulting in a lake landing and subsequent impact with the shoreline.
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