History of Flight
On August 9, 2009, about 1344 eastern daylight time, an experimental Maxair Drifter floatplane, N160HA, was substantially damaged following a loss of control after taking off from the surface of Lake Anna, near Bumpass, Virginia. The certificated airline transport pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was a personal departure destined for Tappahannock-Essex County Airport, Tappahannock, Virginia, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Witnesses reported that three floatplanes were in the cove where their boats were anchored. Two departed "towards the water," while the accident aircraft taxied toward open water, then turned and took off towards land. One witness described application of full power. All witnesses noted a steep left bank almost immediately after takeoff, followed by a nose-down descent into the water and submersion. One witness was alarmed by how close to shore the airplane lifted off, stating, "As the aircraft banked left along the shoreline to head out into open water, I saw the aircraft attempt to make what looked like a very sharp turn to avoid the approaching tree line." Sequential photographs showed the takeoff run, lift-off, low-level banking turn along the shore, and impact. The shoreline curve tightened along the flight path, and impact occurred where the shore was perpendicular to the flight path and lined with tall trees. Many witnesses stated the airplane "appeared to stall" before striking the water. The passenger egressed unassisted, but several minutes passed before the pilot was freed from the wreckage.
Personnel Information
FAA records showed the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multiengine land, a flight instructor certificate with single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings, and a commercial pilot certificate with a single-engine sea rating. His first-class medical certificate was issued August 28, 2008, and he reported 10,000 hours of total flight experience.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 2003. Maintenance records were not recovered.
Meteorological Information
At 1340, weather at Louisa County Airport, about 8 miles west, included clear skies, winds from 290° at 6 knots, temperature 34°C, dew point 19°C, altimeter 30.10 inHg, and density altitude 2,701 feet.
Wreckage and Impact Information
FAA inspectors examined the airplane on the day of the accident and noted substantial airframe damage. The aircraft was submerged, precluding immediate detailed examination; it was moved to a recovery facility. Examination on August 14 revealed control continuity to the rudder and elevators. Wings were significantly damaged, all impact-related (e.g., aileron cables stretched and broken, rod ends and torque tubes broken or pulled apart). The engine crankshaft rotated by hand with compression on all four cylinders. Residual fuel was present in fuel lines. Four propeller strikes were noted on the tailboom beneath the propeller arc.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Richmond, Virginia, determined the pilot died from blunt force injury to the neck and chest. Toxicological testing by the FAA’s Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs.