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NTSB Report
June 25, 1985 · Piper PA-18 · N16688
Bellevue, WA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N16688
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA85LA148
THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE PRE-FLT CHECK, SHE NEGLECTED TO UNTIE THE REAR SEAT BELT FROM THE AFT CONTROL STICK. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR TAXI & TAKEOFF IN THIS FLOAT PLANE WAS TO KEEP THE STICK FULL AFT. SINCE THE ACFT WAS LOW ON FUEL & WAS TAKING OFF IN A HEADWIND, IT LIFTED OFF EARLY. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT 'TRIED TO MOVE THE STICK FORWARD AND FOUND IT LOCKED.' SHE RETARDED THE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FT ABOVE THE WATER. THE ACFT THEN NOSED DOWN & HIT THE WATER. THE PLT WAS WEARING A SPECIAL SAFETY HARNESS & WAS NOT INJURED. SHE STATED THAT HER PREFLT WAS TOO CASUAL. SHE RECOMMENDED BEING METHODICAL & USING A CHECK LIST.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE PRE-FLT CHECK, SHE NEGLECTED TO UNTIE THE REAR SEAT BELT FROM THE AFT CONTROL STICK. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR TAXI & TAKEOFF IN THIS FLOAT PLANE WAS TO KEEP THE STICK FULL AFT. SINCE THE ACFT WAS LOW ON FUEL & WAS TAKING OFF IN A HEADWIND, IT LIFTED OFF EARLY. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT 'TRIED TO MOVE THE STICK FORWARD AND FOUND IT LOCKED.' SHE RETARDED THE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FT ABOVE THE WATER. THE ACFT THEN NOSED DOWN & HIT THE WATER. THE PLT WAS WEARING A SPECIAL SAFETY HARNESS & WAS NOT INJURED. SHE STATED THAT HER PREFLT WAS TOO CASUAL. SHE RECOMMENDED BEING METHODICAL & USING A CHECK LIST.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:05 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN16688
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind305° @ 8 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time14:05
Weather SourcePILO