Smith PA18 REPLICA N846PT

Summary

On 14 July 2009 at about 17:40 local time, a Smith PA18 REPLICA registered N846PT was involved in an accident near Chesterville, Maine, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 July 2009 at 17:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Chesterville, Maine, United States

Nearest airport

Egypt Pond

Coordinates

44.8550, -70.0867

Aircraft

Smith PA18 REPLICA

Registration

N846PT

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Norridgewock → Egypt Pond

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09CA403

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while turning from base leg to final approach.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was turning base to final in preparation for a water landing with his float equipped airplane. He reported the airspeed was 60 miles per hour. During the turn, at approximately 30 to 40 feet above the trees, the airplane began to sink and the left wing and nose dropped. The pilot further stated he had no time to recover as the aircraft impacted trees, and then the ground. He also stated that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the airplane. The pilot explained that this accident may have been prevented if he performed a steeper approach with increased airspeed. The pilot reported that he had 2,070 hours of total flight experience, of which 172 hours were in the accident airplane make and model configured with floats. The recorded wind at an airport 15 nautical miles south southeast, about the time of the accident, was variable at 4 knots; however, the pilot reported rain showers in the vicinity accompanied by “rolling turbulence from the near by hills." Review of recorded weather at approximately the time and within a 30-nautical mile radius of the accident site did not reveal precipitation or wind gusts. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to both wings, wing struts, elevator and to the engine firewall.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.