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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 11, 2006 · Tharp S Richard Challenger II · N128RT

Apopka, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 11, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Apopka, FL
Aircraft
Tharp S Richard Challenger II
Tail Number
N128RT
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA06CA129

The pilot stated that during the water landing the left pontoon struck a tree stump which was submerged in the lake, and the pontoon was punctured, which caused the right wing support to fail. The pilot said that prior to the accident there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the aircraft or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate selection of a landing area which resulted in one of the seaplane's floats impacting a submerged stump.

Full Narrative

On August 11, 2006, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Richard S. Tharp Challenger II aircraft, N128RT, registered to, and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, incurred damage during landing at Lake Apopka, Apopka, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot was not injured, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Orlando North Airport, Zellwood, Florida, the same day, about 0930. The pilot stated he departed Orlando North Airport and preceded south. According to the pilot, he intended to make a full stop water landing at Lake Apopka, approximately 3 miles south of the departure airport. He stated that during his water landing the left pontoon struck a tree stump which was submerged in the lake, and the pontoon was punctured, which caused the right wing support to fail. The pilot said that prior to the accident there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the aircraft or any of its systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTharp S Richard Challenger II
Tail NumberN128RT
Aircraft CategoryUltr
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data