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NTSB Report
May 28, 1990 · Aeronca 7AC · N85173
Rumford, ME
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rumford, ME
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N85173
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA113
THE PILOT STRAPPED A 12 FT CANOE (ESTIMATED WEIGHT 35 LBS) EXTERNALLY TO A FLOAT AND ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF WITH NO WIND. THE LAKE IS APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE LONG AND ORIENTED NORTH/SOUTH. THREE SIDES OF THE LAKE HAVE HIGH TERRAIN. THE TERRAIN TO THE SOUTH IS SWAMPY AND HAS LOW TREES. THE TAKEOFF STARTED AT THE NORTH END AND WAS TO THE SOUTH. THE PILOT SAID HE HAD DIFFICULTY IN GETTING ON THE STEP, USED UP TOO MUCH LAKE SURFACE AND MADE A STEEP TURN TO GO NORTH. HE GOT AIRBORNE WHILE TRAVELING NORTH; HOWEVER HE HAD USED UP TOO MUCH LAKE SURFACE TO CONTINUE, AND MADE A STEEP TURN TO THE LEFT TO GO SOUTH. HE SAID THE WING STALLED AND HE STRUCK THE WATER, RIPPING OFF THE FLOATS. HE SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD TRIED TO FLY WITH A CANOE ON THE FLOATS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT MADE A STEEP TURN TO AVOID THE SHORE LINE AND INADVERTENTLY STALLED. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOTS DECISION TO TAKEOFF WITH A CANOE STRAPPED TO ONE OF THE FLOATS AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN CARRYING A CANOE ON THE FLOATS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STRAPPED A 12 FT CANOE (ESTIMATED WEIGHT 35 LBS) EXTERNALLY TO A FLOAT AND ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF WITH NO WIND. THE LAKE IS APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE LONG AND ORIENTED NORTH/SOUTH. THREE SIDES OF THE LAKE HAVE HIGH TERRAIN. THE TERRAIN TO THE SOUTH IS SWAMPY AND HAS LOW TREES. THE TAKEOFF STARTED AT THE NORTH END AND WAS TO THE SOUTH. THE PILOT SAID HE HAD DIFFICULTY IN GETTING ON THE STEP, USED UP TOO MUCH LAKE SURFACE AND MADE A STEEP TURN TO GO NORTH. HE GOT AIRBORNE WHILE TRAVELING NORTH; HOWEVER HE HAD USED UP TOO MUCH LAKE SURFACE TO CONTINUE, AND MADE A STEEP TURN TO THE LEFT TO GO SOUTH. HE SAID THE WING STALLED AND HE STRUCK THE WATER, RIPPING OFF THE FLOATS. HE SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD TRIED TO FLY WITH A CANOE ON THE FLOATS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMiddle Ellis Pond (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN85173
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-A · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility75 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO