On May 18, 2007, a Piper J3C (registration N28DR) was involved in an aviation accident near Waterford, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, causing a water loop. A factor in the accident was the water loop encountered. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float plane's takeoff roll seemed longer than normal to the pilot. After lift-off, a shimmy occurred, prompting an abort. The aircraft touched down, yawed right, and water looped. No pre-impact anomalies were found.
Accident Details
The pilot of a float plane reported that the takeoff roll appeared longer than usual. After lifting off, the pilot noticed a shimmy even though the aircraft was out of the water. Deciding to abort the takeoff because there was still plenty of water ahead to land on, the pilot set the airplane back down.
Landing and Water Loop
The airplane touched down with the left float first. When the right float made contact, the aircraft yawed sharply to the right and water looped. The pilot described the water conditions at the time as calm.
Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies.