Casualties unknown

1994-07-31: Piper PA-12 (N2368M) — Davidson, Ben W. — Salem, OR

Salem, OR, US

On July 31, 1994, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2368M) operated by Davidson, Ben W. was involved in an aviation accident near Salem, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OCCUPIED CANOE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION AND EXCESSIVE TAXI SPEED. 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 collided with a canoe carrying two adults and two children while step taxiing on a river. The two adults in the canoe sustained fatal injuries. The pilot reported not seeing the canoe before impact.

Incident Overview

A float plane struck a canoe while taxiing on a river, resulting in fatal injuries to two adults aboard the canoe. The incident occurred after the pilot had performed touch-and-go landings on the river and had landed near a ferry terminal where swimmers and boats were present.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, he was conducting touch-and-go landings en route. During one landing, the aircraft touched down and then proceeded to step taxi through the area. As the float plane passed the ferry terminal, it struck a canoe that was moving parallel to the river. The canoe carried two adults and two children. The pilot stated that he never saw the canoe and only became aware of a collision when he felt a bump. He initially thought a float had hit a rock. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to the two adults in the canoe. The children's condition was not specified in the source.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he did not observe the canoe prior to the collision. He described feeling a bump and initially believed a float had contacted a submerged obstacle such as a rock. The source does not provide further details on environmental conditions, aircraft type, or the specific location.

Aftermath

No other information is available from the source regarding rescue efforts, emergency response, or investigation findings beyond the pilot's account.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.