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September 10, 2004 · Williams Glastar GS-1 · N501YR

Hayward, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 10, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Hayward, WI
Aircraft
Williams Glastar GS-1
Tail Number
N501YR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA253

The float equipped airplane collided with trees following a loss of control while taking off from a lake. The pilot reported that prior to takeoff he added one notch of flaps, raised the water rudders, and let the airplane weather vane into the wind. He reported that during the takeoff the airplane "... buffeted as if the wind direction was changing rapidly." The pilot reported he was over the trees at the end of the lake at an airspeed of 60 miles per hour (mph) and an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (agl), when the airspeed went to zero and the right wing dropped. He reported that he corrected by applying aileron, but the airplane rolled to the left. He reported the airplane leveled out at an altitude of about 100 feet agl prior to experiencing a "... total loss of lift... ." The pilot stated he attempted to get the airplane as close to shore as possible. The airplane came to rest on a beach with the right wing in the water. The pilot reported during an interview, that he used two notches of flaps for takeoff and he applied full flaps when he was having difficulty gaining altitude. The pilot reported "Wind shear on takeoff, the magnitude of which I experienced that day is hard to predict... ." The winds reported approximately 10 miles from the accident site about 22 minutes prior to the accident were from 170 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind condition.

Full Narrative

On September 10, 2004, at 1215 central daylight time, a float equipped Williams Glastar GS-1, N501YR, collided with trees following a loss of control during takeoff on Scott Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin. The private pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The planned destination was Cranberry Lake, Eagle River, Wisconsin. The pilot reported that prior to takeoff he added one notch of flaps, raised the water rudders, and let the airplane weather vane into the wind. He reported that during the takeoff the airplane "... buffeted as if the wind direction was changing rapidly." The pilot reported he was over the trees at the end of the lake at an airspeed of 60 miles per hour (mph) and an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (agl), when the airspeed went to zero and the right wing dropped. He reported that he corrected by applying aileron, but the airplane rolled to the left. He reported the airplane leveled out at an altitude of about 100 feet agl prior to experiencing a "... total loss of lift... ." The pilot stated he attempted to get the airplane as close to shore as possible. The airplane came to rest on a beach with the right wing in the water. A Federal Aviation Administration Operations Inspector reported that during an interview, the pilot stated he used two notches of flaps for takeoff and he applied full flaps when he was having difficulty gaining altitude. The pilot reported , "Wind shear on takeoff, the magnitude of which I experienced that day is hard to predict... ." The wind reported at the Sawyer County Airport, Hayward, Wisconsin, at 1153, was from 170 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilliams Glastar GS-1
Tail NumberN501YR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 13 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data