2006-05-29: Piper J3C — Old Town, ME

Casualties unknown • Old Town, ME, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with water.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that shortly after taking off from a river in a float equipped Piper J3C, he was informed by radio that he had departed without his phone. The pilot returned to land, and during the landing, the airplane touched down on the right float, and the right wingtip subsequently impacted the water. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that after takeoff, he stalled the airplane while in a turn and then "crashed in the lake." He also stated that the "density altitude got the best of me." The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-05-29 Piper J3C accident near Old Town, ME?

The pilot stated that shortly after taking off from a river in a float equipped Piper J3C, he was informed by radio that he had departed without his phone. The pilot returned to land, and during the landing, the airplane touched down on the right float, and the right wingtip subsequently impacted the water. According…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-29 involved a Piper J3C, registration N1401V, at Old Town, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with water.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060721X00981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…