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Student Pilot Experiences Partial Power Loss During Water Takeoff, Strikes Shoreline (N1304H)

Dillingham, AK, US

On July 11, 1987, an Aeronca 15AC (registration N1304H) operated by Henry Shade was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. No fatalities were reported. 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.

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

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.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1987 Aeronca 15AC accident near Dillingham, AK?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 1987 Aeronca 15AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1987 involved an Aeronca 15AC, registration N1304H, operated by Henry Shade, at Dillingham, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost partial power due to water ingestion into the engine air filter during the water takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31361. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.