On September 5, 1987, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N39450) operated by John A. Steeby was involved in an aviation accident near Coal Lake, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a westbound takeoff on a lake, a floatplane struck its own wake, became airborne prematurely, and subsequently crashed inverted. The pilot and one passenger escaped; two others were cut free, with one later dying from injuries.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of the airplane reported that he had step-taxied to the east end of the lake in preparation for a takeoff to the west. During the takeoff run, the airplane struck the wake he had just created and became prematurely airborne. He reduced power in an attempt to make a full stall landing, but the airplane struck the water hard and he was thrown forward. As he was thrown forward, he inadvertently pushed the throttle to maximum. The airplane then slewed sideways and turned inverted.
Rescue Efforts
The pilot and one passenger escaped from the inverted airplane without difficulty. The pilot then had to dive under the airplane and cut the other two passengers from their restraints.
Aftermath
One of the passengers who was cut from restraints later died from her injuries.
