No fatalities

15 Sep 2019: Piper PA 12 No Series — Healy, AK

Healy, AK, United States

On 15 Sep 2019, a Piper PA 12 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Healy, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while taking off from water in shifting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane stalled and impacted the water after a wind shift during takeoff, resulting in substantial fuselage damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.

Incident Overview

A float-equipped airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall and subsequent water impact during a takeoff from a body of water. The aircraft came to rest inverted in the water.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that during the water takeoff, which was initiated to the east, the wind shifted from easterly to southerly. After becoming airborne, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, causing the left wing to strike the water. The aircraft then came to rest upside down.

Damage Assessment

The fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the accident.

Pilot Reports

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. The wind at the time was reported as 115° at 30 knots, with gusts to 30 knots.

Contributing factors

Capability exceededPilotEffect on operation