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NTSB Report
June 24, 1982 · Piper PA-14 · N5173H
Talkeetna, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 1982
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-14
Tail Number
N5173H
Operator
Robert a Wilkinson Jr
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ANC82DAG33
THE PILOT STEP TAXIED THE FLOAT PLANE TO THE NORTH END OF NEIL LAKE IN PREPARATION FOR A SOUTH TAKEOFF. APPROACHING THE NORTH SHORE, A LEFT STEP TURN WAS INITIATED TO POSTION THE AIRCRAFT TO THE SOUTH FOR A TAKEOFF. DURING THE TURN, WHILE STILL ON A NORTHERLY HEADING, THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF THE WATER. DURING AN ATTEMPT TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF, THE RIGHT FLOAT HIT THE TOPS OF TWO TREES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE CRASHED AND BEGAN BURNING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 300 LBS OVER THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STEP TAXIED THE FLOAT PLANE TO THE NORTH END OF NEIL LAKE IN PREPARATION FOR A SOUTH TAKEOFF. APPROACHING THE NORTH SHORE, A LEFT STEP TURN WAS INITIATED TO POSTION THE AIRCRAFT TO THE SOUTH FOR A TAKEOFF. DURING THE TURN, WHILE STILL ON A NORTHERLY HEADING, THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF THE WATER. DURING AN ATTEMPT TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF, THE RIGHT FLOAT HIT THE TOPS OF TWO TREES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE CRASHED AND BEGAN BURNING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 300 LBS OVER THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 AHDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-14
Tail NumberN5173H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRobert a Wilkinson Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A3B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg