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Floatplane Overturns During High-Speed Taxi Test on Sheepscot Lake (N4504M)

Palermo, ME, US

On July 16, 2002, a Piper PA-11S (registration N4504M) was involved in an aviation accident near Palermo, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind. A factor was the crosswind. 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 pilot conducting a high-speed taxi test on a floatplane at Sheepscot Lake reported that wind lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to hit the water and the aircraft to nose over, resulting in float damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot performed a high-speed taxi test on a floatplane at Sheepscot Lake to evaluate a newly installed oil pressure gauge. During the test, which was conducted while taxiing toward the northeast, the pilot reported that the wind lifted the left wing of the aircraft, causing the right wing to drop into the water. This action led the aircraft to nose over.

Damage and Consequences

As a result of the nose-over, the front spreader bar on the floats fractured. The propeller struck the right float, causing it to fill with water. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Environmental Conditions

Wind conditions were recorded at an airport located 15 miles from the lake, coming from 350 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot attributed the event to the wind affecting the aircraft during the taxi test.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 2002 Piper PA-11S accident near Palermo, ME?

A pilot conducting a high-speed taxi test on a floatplane at Sheepscot Lake reported that wind lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to hit the water and the aircraft to nose over, resulting in float damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jul 2002 Piper PA-11S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 2002 involved a Piper PA-11S, registration N4504M, at Palermo, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind. A factor was the crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020730X01247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.