History of Flight
On October 7, 2012, about 1645 Alaska daylight time, a Grumman G-44 amphibious airplane, registration N139F, impacted the surface of Tikchik Lake, about 50 miles north-northeast of Aleknagik, Alaska. The airplane, operated by Freshwater Adventures of Dillingham, Alaska, was on a visual flight rules positioning flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. Marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed Dillingham about 1600.
A witness, a local hunting guide who was waiting with his client for the airplane to pick them up, observed the accident. He reported that the airplane made several passes over the lake and island where they were located. After the third pass, the airplane came into view very low over the water. It rolled into a left turn, and the left wing float struck the water. The airplane then veered sharply left, bounced, and cartwheeled three times before coming to rest partially submerged with its high-mounted wings level with the surface. The witnesses were unable to reach the airplane in the icy water, and it sank about 5 to 10 minutes later. There was no sign of the pilot.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane was a Grumman G-44, N139F, manufactured in 1944, equipped with two Continental Motors IO-470 series engines. No logbooks were discovered, and the wreckage was not recovered for examination.
The pilot, age 71, held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for single- and multi-engine land and sea. He held a first-class medical certificate without limitations, issued April 23, 2012. His last medical application indicated about 30,000 total flight hours, with 0 hours in the previous 6 months.
Meteorological Conditions
A witness reported calm wind, low clouds, light rain, and fog restricting visibility over the lake, with glassy water conditions. The closest official weather observation, at Dillingham (PADL) about 68 miles south, at 1553 reported wind from 070° true at 5 knots, 15 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 1,300 feet, overcast at 3,000 feet, temperature 58°F, dew point 58°F, altimeter 30.09 inHg.
Communications
No communications were heard from the accident airplane after departure, and no air traffic control services were requested.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted the lake surface and sank. A witness saw the left float touch the glassy water during a low pass, leading to a cartwheel. Scuba divers located the wreckage in about 40 feet of water and recovered the pilot. The wreckage was not recovered.
Medical and Pathological Information
A postmortem examination attributed the cause of death to drowning. Toxicological testing was negative for alcohol or drugs.