20010722019239A

(.19) On July 22, 2001, at 0745 eastern daylight time, a w.e. simmons drifter arv 582, an experimental amphibian airplane, N102WS, collided with the water while maneuvering to avoid a collision with a bridge in Collington, north carolina. The personal flight was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of title 14 CFR part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot received serious injuries and his passenger received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Collington, north carolina, at 0743. Reportedly, after a water take-off, and while on initial climb toward a drawbridge, the draw section of the bridge opened. When the pilot attempted to maneuver around the bridge, the airplane stalled, and collided with the water. When the airplane hit the water the wings were torn from the airframe. The airplane sank in the water. The airplane was recovered for examination. (-23) on July 22, 2001, at 0745 EDT, the pilot of an expermental amphibious airplane, w.e. simmons drifter arv 582, N102WS, impacted the water while m aneuvering to avoid a collision with a draw bridge in Collington, NC. The title 14 CFR part 91 flight was conducted by a private pilot under visual flight rules with no flight plan filed. The pilot received serious injuries and his passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft received substantial damage upon impact with the water. After take off from a water canal in Collington, NC at 0743 hours and on initial climb toward a draw bridge, the draw section of the bridge opened; when the pilot attempted to maneuver around bridge, the airplane stalled and impacted the water sustaining substantial damage and partial submersion in the water. The aircraft was recovered and taken to the airport in manteo, NC. (.4) on July 22, 2001, at 0745 eastern daylight time, a w. e. simmons max air drifter arv 582 experimental amphibious airplane, N102WS, registered to a private owner, collided with the water while maneuvering to avoid a bridge after a loss of engine power in Collington, north carolina. The personal flight was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of title 14 CFR part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prev ailed. The private pilot received serious injuries, the passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating in Collington, north carolina, at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airplane was on initial climb after a water takeoff when it experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power. The pilot established a glide straight ahead. A small bridge was in the flight path, and the pilot stated the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to clear it. The pilot turned the airplane hard to the left to avoid a collision with the bridge. The pilot stated there was not enough altitude or airspeed to complete the turn and landing flare. The airplane struck the water as the pilot maneuvered for the emergency landing. The examination of the recovered airplane disclosed that both wings had separated from the airframe. Water submersion and impact damage to the engine assembly prevent a functional examination. However, the subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the engine had seized and the internal components would not rotate. According to the pilot, the airplane maintenance logs were kept in the airplane, and they were not recovered from the water with the airplane. The pilot further reported that the engine had been overhauled once, but he could not recall the exact time of the overhaul, or total engine time.