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NTSB Report
June 12, 1991 · Piper J3L · N23195
Shasta Lake, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Shasta Lake, CA
Aircraft
Piper J3L
Tail Number
N23195
Operator
Balmer David M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA259
AFTER REFUELING HIS FLOAT EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT ON SHASTA LAKE THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER ENPLANED TO CONTINUE THEIR FLIGHT TO THEIR HOMETOWN. AS THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN ITS WATER TAKEOFF TAXI RUN IT NEARED A SHORELINE THAT EXTENDED ACROSS ITS PATH. THE PILOT TURNED LEFT, PLACING THE WIND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THE AIRCRAFT DOWNWIND TO A TREE LINED SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF WHILE ON THIS HEADING AND STALLED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED ON INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL, STALL, AND INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN/WATER.
Full Narrative
AFTER REFUELING HIS FLOAT EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT ON SHASTA LAKE THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER ENPLANED TO CONTINUE THEIR FLIGHT TO THEIR HOMETOWN. AS THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN ITS WATER TAKEOFF TAXI RUN IT NEARED A SHORELINE THAT EXTENDED ACROSS ITS PATH. THE PILOT TURNED LEFT, PLACING THE WIND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THE AIRCRAFT DOWNWIND TO A TREE LINED SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF WHILE ON THIS HEADING AND STALLED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3L
Tail NumberN23195
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBalmer David M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A75-8 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT