# NTSB ANC84LA185: Piper PA-12, N3269M, Dadina Lake, AK, September 18, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 18, 1984, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Dadina Lake, AK
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4378
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4378/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA185

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, descent
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE PLT HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN MOOSE HUNTING ACTIVITIES. ON THE MORNING OF THE OCCURRENCE HE HAD MADE TWO SUCCESSFUL FLTS HAULING MEAT FROM A SMALL UNNAMED LAKE TO DADINA LAKE, ABOUT 3 MILES NORTH. SHORTLY AFTER THE THIRD TAKEOFF FROM THE SMALL LAKE, CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST AND THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE WATER RIGHT WING DOWN. UPON RECOVERY OF THE DROWNED PLT, DIVERS ALSO FOUND MOOSE HORNS WHICH HAD BEEN TIED TO THE FLOAT LIFT STRUTS. THE PLT DID NOT HOLD A SEAPLANE RATING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3269M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3269M), registered now, S/N 12-2127, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 122127
- Airframe hours: 4444
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Terrance L. Speerstra
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 1984, 73 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,500 total, 61 in this make and model, 3,500 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840918049699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840918049699A), Sep 18, 1984: Piper PA12, Dadina Lake, AK, Substantial damage. No witnesses to crash. Found plane upside down in lake. Pilot did not hold seaplane rating.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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