No fatalities

Float-Equipped Airplane Stalls and Crashes into Lake During Landing Maneuver (N8653Y)

Soldotna, AK, US

On August 13, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N8653Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent. 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 stalled a float-equipped airplane during a right turn over a lake, causing it to collide with the water, nose over, partially sink, and sustain substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A private certificated pilot was maneuvering a float-equipped airplane low over the water in preparation for landing. According to the pilot's report, while executing a right turn, the airplane stalled and subsequently collided with the surface of the lake. Following the collision, the airplane nosed over and partially sank.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage of the aircraft.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. At the time of the accident, the winds were estimated from the northwest at 10 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Soldotna, AK?

A private pilot stalled a float-equipped airplane during a right turn over a lake, causing it to collide with the water, nose over, partially sink, and sustain substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 2004 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N8653Y, at Soldotna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040826X01292. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.