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NTSB Report

September 11, 1999 · Diehl Interstate S-4 Interstate · N4BZ

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Diehl Interstate S-4 Interstate
Tail Number
N4BZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC99LA143

The pilot was taking off from a private lake in a homebuilt/experimental float equipped airplane. While waiting for a departure clearance, he was taxiing in a tight left turn in a cove located at the west end of the lake. The water rudders were extended and displaced to the left. The pilot said the water rudders are stiff when they are deployed. After receiving his clearance, he began his departure from the cove. During the takeoff run, he left the water rudders extended. When the airplane became airborne, he said the airplane continued to turn left. He was unable to prevent the airplane from colliding with a small boat dock, and the top of a small boat. The airplane then collided with trees along the edge of the lake. An FAA inspector said the distance from the cove used for departure to the dock was about 500 feet. The distance from the dock to the trees was about 100 feet. In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, he stated, in part: '...At rotation, could not control P-Factor of engine with max right rudder.' The pilot also indicated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate planning/decision, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were a short runway/lake area for departure, and the pilot's extension of the landing gear steering system (water rudders) during the takeoff run.

Full Narrative

On September 11, 1999, about 1145 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped homebuilt/experimental William Diehl, Interstate S-4 airplane, N4BZ, sustained substantial damage while taking off from a private lake, at Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 13, 1999, the pilot reported he was departing from Sand Lake toward the east. While waiting for a departure clearance, he was taxiing in a tight left turn in a cove located at the west end of the lake. The water rudders were extended and displaced to the left. The pilot said the water rudders are stiff when they are deployed. After receiving his clearance, he began his departure from the cove. During the takeoff run, he left the water rudders extended. When the airplane became airborne, he said the airplane continued to turn left. He was unable to prevent the airplane from colliding with a small boat dock, and the top of a small boat. The airplane then collided with trees along the edge of the lake. In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, he stated, in part: "...At rotation, could not control P-Factor of engine with max right rudder." The pilot also indicated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector, Anchorage Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), reported that he inspected the airplane at the accident scene. The airplane received damage to the left wing, the left wing lift strut, and the left float. The inspector said the distance from the cove used for departure to the dock was about 500 feet. The distance from the dock to the trees was about 100 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 AKDT
Nearest AirportSANDLAKE (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiehl Interstate S-4 Interstate
Tail NumberN4BZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data