On July 11, 1987, an Aeronca 15AC (registration N1304H) operated by Henry Shade was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost partial power due to water ingestion into the engine air filter during the water takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot reported partial power loss due to water ingestion during a water takeoff. He continued the attempt, struck the shoreline before becoming airborne, resulting in substantial aircraft damage but no injuries.
Incident Details
A student pilot was conducting a water takeoff when the aircraft experienced a partial loss of power. According to the pilot, this was caused by water being ingested into the engine air filter during the takeoff run. Despite the power loss, the pilot elected to continue with the takeoff attempt. The aircraft subsequently struck the shoreline before becoming airborne.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the shoreline. However, neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured in the accident.
Pilot Background
The pilot reported that his last formalized flight instruction occurred in 1965. No further details regarding his recent flight experience or qualifications were provided.
Cause
According to the pilot's statement, the partial power loss was due to water ingestion into the engine air filter during the water takeoff.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost partial power due to water ingestion into the engine air filter during the water takeoff.