Casualties unknown

Floatplane Collides with Trees After Turbulence and High Winds on Landing Approach (N70369)

New Prague, MN, US

On August 12, 1995, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N70369) was involved in an aviation accident near New Prague, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed to permit control of the aircraft and to prevent an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors include gusty wind conditions and turbulence. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane pilot reported light to moderate turbulence and southerly winds of 20-25 knots during a landing approach. The aircraft rolled abruptly, inverted, then struck trees and ground.

Incident Details

On approach to Cedar Lake for landing, the pilot of a float-equipped aircraft encountered light to moderate turbulence. The estimated surface wind was southerly at 20 to 25 knots. While on final approach north of the lake, the right wing dropped abruptly to nearly a 90-degree angle. The pilot managed to level the wings, but the aircraft then rolled abruptly into a left bank until it became inverted. The pilot again leveled the wings, but the aircraft flew through an area of trees and impacted the ground, on shore, in a wings-level, nose-low attitude.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that an airspeed 'adequate' for a floatplane landing was maintained throughout the approach. No other specifics regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source. The location is limited to Cedar Lake, with no further geographic details.

Aftermath

The source does not specify injuries, fatalities, or damage extent. No information about weather conditions beyond wind and turbulence, time of day, or ATC involvement was given. The accident aircraft's registration and model remain unstated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04202. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.