Casualties unknown

Floatplane Stalls After Takeoff from Remote Lake (N57778)

Tyonek, AK, US

On August 6, 2006, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N57778) was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a left wing stall and subsequent collision with the water and shoreline. 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 experienced a left wing stall immediately after takeoff from a remote lake, resulting in a crash into the water and shoreline that caused substantial damage to both wings.

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight following departure from a remote lake. The aircraft involved was a float-equipped airplane carrying a private pilot. According to the pilot's account, shortly after becoming airborne, the left wing of the airplane stalled. This aerodynamic loss of lift caused the airplane to descend rapidly and strike both the water surface and the adjacent shoreline.

The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings of the aircraft. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the event, suggesting the incident was related to flight dynamics rather than equipment failure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a left wing stall and subsequent collision with the water and shoreline.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060929X01428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.