Casualties unknown

1997-03-28: Piper PA-12 (N2852M) — Clayton Lake, ME

Clayton Lake, ME, US

On March 28, 1997, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2852M) was involved in an aviation accident near Clayton Lake, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stalled the airplane while maneuvering to land on a frozen lake surface. 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 pilot stalled his ski-equipped airplane while maneuvering to land on a frozen lake, resulting in the left wing and nose striking the surface. The pilot was reportedly congested and tired.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he was flying a ski-equipped airplane to a lake for fishing. While maneuvering to land on the frozen lake surface, the airplane stalled. According to the pilot, he was suffering from a bad cold, congestion, and fatigue at the time of the flight.

Witness Observations

Multiple witnesses observed the aircraft conduct a low pass over the frozen lake. Following the pass, the pilot initiated a left turn. During the turn, the airplane rolled further left and descended toward the lake surface. The left wing and nose of the aircraft struck the frozen lake.

Pilot Statement

The pilot confirmed that the airplane stalled while maneuvering for landing. He noted his medical condition as a contributing factor in his own report, but provided no further details on the aircraft model, registration, or the number of occupants.

Conclusion

The incident involved a stall during low-altitude maneuvering over a frozen lake. No assessment of injuries or damage extent was provided in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot stalled the airplane while maneuvering to land on a frozen lake surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07622. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.