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NTSB Report
September 5, 2008 · Diehl William A S-4 · N4BZ
Galena, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Galena, AK
Aircraft
Diehl William A S-4
Tail Number
N4BZ
Operator
Kyzer David D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC08CA118
The solo private pilot of the float-equipped airplane, was taking off from a remote lake, for a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot of the helicopter that recovered the airplane, the accident pilot told him that he was taking off from the lake, and the airplane would not come up on step. He told the helicopter pilot that he didn't think he had pumped all the water out of the floats prior to takeoff, and that during the takeoff roll he lost control and the airplane impacted the water. The helicopter pilot said there was substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during takeoff, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane.
Full Narrative
The solo private pilot of the float-equipped airplane, was taking off from a remote lake for a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot of the helicopter that recovered the airplane, the accident pilot told him that he was taking off from the lake, and the airplane would not come up on step. He told the helicopter pilot that he didn't think he had pumped all the water out of the floats prior to takeoff, and that during the takeoff roll he lost control, and the airplane impacted the water. The helicopter pilot said there was substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDiehl William A S-4
Tail NumberN4BZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKyzer David D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0