On May 2, 1996, an Aviat A-1 (registration N93HU) was involved in an aviation accident near Togiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove frost from the surface of the wings and his delay in aborting the takeoff. Factors in the accident were the presence of frost on the wings and a deteriorated climb performance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot aborted takeoff from a remote beach during fish spotting operations. Frost on wings led to sluggish lift-off, causing the airplane to settle into water in a nose-down attitude.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot conducting fish spotting operations departed a remote beach at gross weight. The pilot reported frost on the wings and initiated a short field takeoff. The airplane lifted off sluggishly and began to settle toward terrain sloping toward the ocean.
Flight Details
The airplane, at full power, momentarily touched down before climbing again. During the climb, it skipped off the water about three times. The pilot then aborted the takeoff attempt.
Sequence of Events
Following the abort, the airplane settled into the water and came to a stop in a nose-down attitude. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft's condition or occupants.