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March 26, 2000 · Bair Helicopters Searey · N246DB

Kill Devil Hill, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Kill Devil Hill, NC
Aircraft
Bair Helicopters Searey
Tail Number
N246DB
Operator
Carl F Newton Jr
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA00LA119

The pilot stated that after takeoff he performed one touch-and-go landing on the water where the airplane is based then flew north of there then returned and performed one touch-and-go landing on the water. While turning left base to final for the planned 3rd touch-and-go landing, with 10 degrees of flaps extended, in a 15-20 degree angle of bank, and with the power reduced, the passenger called out that the indicated airspeed was 55 miles per hour. The pilot later reported that he did not monitor the airspeed during the turn. He applied partial power; the engine responded, then lowered the nose. He then applied aft elevator input with no response. The airplane contacted the water while in a left wing low attitude. He further reported that there was no engine or flight control preimpact failure or malfunction and just before impact with the water the flight encountered a wind gust. Postaccident examination of the airplane by one of the co-owners revealed aileron, rudder, and elevator flight control continuity from the cockpit to each control surface.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command while on final approach resulting in the uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with water.

Full Narrative

On March 26, 2000, about 1554 eastern standard time, a homebuilt amphibious SeaRey, N246DB, registered to Tail Feather LLC, experienced an in-flight loss of control and crashed into Roanoke Sound near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated about 1530, from Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The pilot stated that after takeoff he performed one touch-and-go landing on the water where the airplane is based then flew north of there then returned and performed one touch-and-go landing on the water. While turning left base to final for the planned 3rd touch-and-go landing, with 10 degrees of flaps extended, in a 15-20 degree angle of bank, and with the power reduced, the passenger called out that the indicated airspeed was 55 miles per hour. The pilot later reported that he did not monitor the airspeed during the turn. He applied partial power; the engine responded, then lowered the nose. He then applied aft elevator input with no response. The airplane contacted the water while in a left wing low attitude. He further reported that there was no engine or flight control preimpact failure or malfunction and just before impact with the water the flight encountered a wind gust. According to one of the co-owners of the airplane, he verified aileron, rudder, and elevator flight control continuity from the cockpit to each control surface after the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:54 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBair Helicopters Searey
Tail NumberN246DB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCarl F Newton Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912S · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 50
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data