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NTSB Report
April 4, 1993 · Lake LA-4-200 · N39375
Gold Bar, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 1993
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Gold Bar, WA
Aircraft
Lake LA-4-200
Tail Number
N39375
Operator
Helgeson Robert C
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA93FA091
THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND SUBMERGED IN 40 FT OF WATER AND APPROXIMATELY 40 FT FROM SHORE ON THE NE END OF LAKE ISABEL. IMPACT DAMAGE WAS INDICATIVE OF A NEAR-VERTICAL NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE AT IMPACT. THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN RISES RAPIDLY ON ALL SIDES OF THE LAKE, AND THE LAKE NARROWS TO APPROXIMATELY 530 FT WIDE AT THE NE END. THE PILOT'S FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR STATED THAT THE PILOT HAD BEEN TAUGHT TO CIRCLE THE LAKE A FEW TIMES BEFORE LANDING TO ASSESS THE WATER CONDITIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A WATER LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND SUBMERGED IN 40 FT OF WATER AND APPROXIMATELY 40 FT FROM SHORE ON THE NE END OF LAKE ISABEL. IMPACT DAMAGE WAS INDICATIVE OF A NEAR-VERTICAL NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE AT IMPACT. THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN RISES RAPIDLY ON ALL SIDES OF THE LAKE, AND THE LAKE NARROWS TO APPROXIMATELY 530 FT WIDE AT THE NE END. THE PILOT'S FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR STATED THAT THE PILOT HAD BEEN TAUGHT TO CIRCLE THE LAKE A FEW TIMES BEFORE LANDING TO ASSESS THE WATER CONDITIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLake LA-4-200
Tail NumberN39375
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelgeson Robert C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT