Accident Details
On April 23, 2013, at approximately 1000 eastern daylight time, a float-equipped Piper PA-18-135, registration N18JP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Inlet, New York. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight Narrative
The pilot reported that a preflight inspection revealed no anomalies. He departed Seventh Lake Seaplane Base (NK15) to the north, then turned west toward a nearby lake. Shortly after the turn, the engine began to run rough and produced "surges of power." The pilot turned back toward Seventh Lake but realized the airplane's airspeed and altitude were insufficient to clear trees on the shore. While maneuvering between trees, the airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall and came to rest inverted on the shore in 8 to 12 inches of water.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and sea, and instrument airplane. He reported 9,000 hours of total flight experience, with 600 hours in the accident aircraft make and model.
Aircraft Information
The airplane, manufactured in 1953, was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-A2B 150-horsepower reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on June 6, 2012.
Post-Accident Examination
Prior to recovery from the lake, 6 gallons of fuel were drained from the left wing tank. The right wing tank was breached during impact. The aircraft was moved to the owner's hangar for further examination. The engine crankshaft rotated freely at the propeller, and compression was obtained on all cylinders. The magnetos produced spark at their terminal leads. The carburetor was intact; upon opening, the float bowl contained a mixture of fuel and water.
Weather Conditions
The 0953 weather observation at Griffiss International Airport (RME), approximately 42 miles southwest of the accident site, reported wind from 140 degrees at 12 knots, clear skies, 10 miles visibility, temperature 7°C, dew point -3°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.37 inches of mercury. Review of a Federal Aviation Administration carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the temperature and dew point conditions were favorable for ice accumulation at glide and cruise power.