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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 2, 1996 · Lake LA-4-200 · N51DG

Wolfeboro, NH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wolfeboro, NH
Aircraft
Lake LA-4-200
Tail Number
N51DG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA138

The aircraft nosed over and submerged in water during a landing on Lake Wentworth. According to the pilot, while en route, he decided to do a touch-and-go landing on the lake. He reported: 'The lake was calm. I entered downwind, and went through the checklist, using the manufacturer's card. Then when turning base, I again went through the checklist by using the card. On final I did a visual again of landing gear, flaps, trim, prop, and mixture. I trimmed the plane for a glassy water landing, when I heard the keel touch the water with a nice sharp slicing sound, and then a loud roar. The next thing I knew I was looking up from the bottom of the lake. When I came up to the top of the water, the plane was in pieces. I was shortly picked up by 2 men and a woman in a boat.' The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. The nose of the aircraft was totally destroyed, and was held onto the main fuselage by hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring. The fuselage longerons were bent upwards. The tail of the aircraft was bent up and forward. There were several propeller cut marks in the leading edges of the vertical and right horizontal stabilizer. Examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and nose over. The glassy water condition was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 2, 1996, about 1845 eastern daylight time, a Lake LA4-200, N51DG, was substantially damaged during landing at Lake Wentworth, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The private pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries for the personal, local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. According to the pilot, he departed Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, New Hampshire about 1830, destined for Laconia, New Hampshire. While en route he decided to do a touch-and-go landing on Lake Wentworth. The pilot reported: "The lake was calm. I entered downwind and went through the checklist, using the manufacturer's card. Then when turning base, I again went through the checklist by using the card. On final I did a visual again of landing gear, flaps, trim, prop, and mixture. I trimmed the plane for a glassy water landing, when I heard the keel touch the water with a nice sharp slicing sound, and then a loud roar. The next thing I knew I was looking up from the bottom of the lake. When I came up to the top of the water, the plane was in pieces. I was shortly picked up by 2 men and a woman in a boat." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. The FAA reported "the aircraft came to rest in fifty-seven feet of water. The nose of the aircraft was totally destroyed, and was held onto the main fuselage by hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring. The fuselage longerons were bent upwards. The tail of the aircraft was bent up and forward. There were several propeller cut marks in the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer, and the leading edge of theright horizontal stabilizer. The engine and pylon were still attached to the fuselage. With exception of minor leading edge damage to the right win, both wings were not damaged. The wing center section was not deformed laterally or horizontally." The FAA examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLake LA-4-200
Tail NumberN51DG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · LA-4-200 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data