Casualties unknown

Floatplane Impact with Water After Takeoff Stall Related to Trim and Moose Rack (N9692P)

Sleetmute, AK, US

On September 11, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9692P) operated by Anderson Wilderness Guide Svc was involved in an aviation accident near Sleetmute, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of aircraft control precipitated by the pilot's inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident are the disengagement of the stabilizer trim system, which resulted in reduced aircraft control, an inadvertent stall by the pilot, and a large… 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 float-equipped airplane stalled and impacted water after takeoff. The pilot reported difficulty lowering the nose and suspected elevator trim failure. A large moose rack on the left float was noted. Postaccident inspection revealed trim system anomalies.

Accident Overview

The pilot of a float-equipped airplane reported that immediately after takeoff, he experienced difficulty lowering the aircraft's nose. The airplane subsequently stalled and impacted the water. The pilot stated that he thought the elevator trim did not function. He also noted that a large moose rack was tied to the left float.

Postaccident Inspection

Two FAA inspectors conducted a postaccident inspection of the aircraft. The inspection revealed that the stabilizer rear trim mechanism was in the neutral position and rotated freely. The rear stabilizer hinge was also free to rotate. The stabilizer trim actuator handle in the cockpit was missing, and the actuator would only partially engage. The inspectors could not determine whether the observed damage was preaccident or postaccident.

Aircraft Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, or number of occupants. No information is provided regarding injuries or damage items. The time of day, weather conditions, and ATC involvement are not mentioned.

Probable Cause

No probable cause is stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21889. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.