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Float Plane Accident After Left Float Punctured During Departure (N4468Z)

Minto, AK, US

On June 3, 2001, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4468Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Minto, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and an excessive descent rate resulting in a hard landing during an aborted takeoff. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot departing a lake in a float-equipped airplane unknowingly punctured the left float, causing it to partially fill with water. The airplane became airborne in ground effect but would not climb, leading to a hard landing and bent fuselage longeron.

Accident Overview

A private certificated pilot experienced an accident while attempting to depart a lake in a float-equipped airplane. During preparation for departure, the left float was punctured by an unknown object, which the pilot stated he unknowingly collided with. The float subsequently partially filled with water.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, the airplane became airborne in ground effect but was unable to climb. He aborted the takeoff, and the airplane settled back onto the lake, impacting the water hard. The pilot stated that he did not believe the fuselage had sustained significant damage.

Postaccident Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed that a fuselage longeron was bent approximately 2 inches, adjacent to the left, aft float attachment point. The damage was confined to that area.

Next Steps

A mechanic planned to repair the bent longeron by cutting the damaged portion out of the fuselage and installing a repair sleeve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jun 2001 Piper PA-18 accident near Minto, AK?

A private pilot departing a lake in a float-equipped airplane unknowingly punctured the left float, causing it to partially fill with water. The airplane became airborne in ground effect but would not climb, leading to a hard landing and bent fuselage longeron.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jun 2001 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jun 2001 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4468Z, at Minto, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and an excessive descent rate resulting in a hard landing during an aborted takeoff. Factors in the accident were a collision of the airplane's float assembly with an unknown object, and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010718X01455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.