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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

March 28, 1997 · Piper PA-12 · N2852M

Clayton Lake, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 28, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Clayton Lake, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N2852M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC97LA067

The pilot reported that he flew the ski-equipped airplane to a lake to go fishing, and stalled the airplane while maneuvering to land on the frozen lake surface. Additionally, he reported that he had a bad cold, was congested, and tired. Witnesses reported that the pilot conducted a low pass over the frozen surface of lake, after which he initiated a left turn. In the turn the airplane rolled further left and descended toward the lake surface, striking the left wing and nose.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and uncontrolled descent to the frozen lake surface.

Full Narrative

On March 28, 1997, about 1030 eastern standard time, a ski equipped Piper PA-12, N2852M, was destroyed when it struck the ground while maneuvering near Clayton Lake, Maine. The certificated private pilot and passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight which originated from Yeager Airport, Detroit, Maine, about 0830, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated: "...Left my private airport (Yeager) Detroit ME to go fishing on Rojo Lake. PA-12 on skies with passenger...Beautiful ride SE winds unventful wasn't feeling good last trip of the year! Had to go was not as sharp - as I should have been - stalled while approaching to landing on lake. Plane collapsed pretty much in one piece!" In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, under the section titled (How could this accident have been prevented) the pilot stated: "...Pilot had very bad cold congested tired, weather change + 50 degrees sence last trip. Air speed was approx 60-65 steep left turn, plane stalled!" An Operations Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Portland Flight Standards District Office, interviewed the pilot and witnesses and reported that the pilot had conducted a low pass over the frozen surface of Lake Chemquafaramticook to check for a landing area. Following the pass, the pilot initiated a left turn, in which the airplane rolled further left and descended toward the ground. The airplane struck the ice with the left wing, followed by the nose, and came to rest upright on the ice. According to the FAA Inspector, the pilot had not received a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN2852M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind45° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data