Floatplane crash near Cedar Lake following severe wing drop

Casualties unknown • New Prague, MN, US

A float-equipped aircraft impacted the ground on shore near Cedar Lake after encountering turbulence and an abrupt roll during its final approach.

What happened

While approaching Cedar Lake for landing, the pilot of a float-equipped aircraft encountered light to moderate turbulence. The pilot estimated surface winds were from the south at 20 to 25 knots.

During the final approach north of the lake, the aircraft was maintaining an airspeed considered adequate for a floatplane landing when the right wing dropped abruptly to an angle of nearly 90 degrees. Although the pilot managed to level the wings, the aircraft continued to roll abruptly into a left bank, resulting in an inverted position. The pilot was able to level the wings a second time; however, the aircraft subsequently flew through a wooded area and impacted the ground on shore. At the moment of impact, the aircraft was in a wings-level, nose-low attitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-12 Piper J3C-65 accident near New Prague, MN?

A float-equipped aircraft impacted the ground on shore near Cedar Lake after encountering turbulence and an abrupt roll during its final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-12 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N70369, at New Prague, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.

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