Casualties unknown

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. 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 2026-06-10Data 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.

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.