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NTSB Report
July 10, 1989 · Grumman G-44 · N4453
Pahokee, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pahokee, FL
Aircraft
Grumman G-44
Tail Number
N4453
Operator
Rodney N Matthews
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA191
THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD COMPLETED 2 T.O.& LDGS WHILE KEEPING THE ACFT ON THE STEP. AFTER THE 3RD LDG, WHILE TRANSITIONING FROM STEP TAXI TO PLOW TAXI, THE PLT STATED HE THOUGHT HE STRUCK A 'MUD BANK.' THIS CAUSED THE RT WING TO BE RAISED TO A POINT WHERE THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT AILERON TO KEEP THE LT FLOAT OUT OF THE WATER. HE STATED THE ACFT VEERED LT, THEN FLIPPED UP-SIDE DOWN IN ABOUT 18 INCHES OF WATER, TEARING OFF A SECTION OF THE RT WING. LOCAL LAW PERSONNEL STATED THE WATER IS ABOUT 18 INCHES DEEP IN ALL DIRECTION FOR OVER A MILE FROM THE CRASH SITE AND THERE ARE NO 'MUD BANKS' OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS. HE STATED THERE ARE SOME 'HOLES' WHERE THE DEPTH INCREASES, BUT NO SHALLOWER AREAS. THE PLT STATED THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL, WHILE ON THE WATER, WHICH RESULTED IN A SWERVE AND SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD COMPLETED 2 T.O.& LDGS WHILE KEEPING THE ACFT ON THE STEP. AFTER THE 3RD LDG, WHILE TRANSITIONING FROM STEP TAXI TO PLOW TAXI, THE PLT STATED HE THOUGHT HE STRUCK A 'MUD BANK.' THIS CAUSED THE RT WING TO BE RAISED TO A POINT WHERE THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT AILERON TO KEEP THE LT FLOAT OUT OF THE WATER. HE STATED THE ACFT VEERED LT, THEN FLIPPED UP-SIDE DOWN IN ABOUT 18 INCHES OF WATER, TEARING OFF A SECTION OF THE RT WING. LOCAL LAW PERSONNEL STATED THE WATER IS ABOUT 18 INCHES DEEP IN ALL DIRECTION FOR OVER A MILE FROM THE CRASH SITE AND THERE ARE NO 'MUD BANKS' OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS. HE STATED THERE ARE SOME 'HOLES' WHERE THE DEPTH INCREASES, BUT NO SHALLOWER AREAS. THE PLT STATED THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman G-44
Tail NumberN4453
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRodney N Matthews
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · R-680-13 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC