# NTSB ANC87LA093: Aeronca 15AC, N1304H, Dillingham, AK, July 11, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1987, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Dillingham, AK
- Coordinates: 58.819351, -157.860183 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=58.8194&lon=-157.8602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4869
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA093
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4869/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA093

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - roll/run
  - induction air control,air filter/screen - water (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT LOST PARTIAL POWER DURING THE TAKE OFF RUN DUE TO WATER BEING INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE AIR FILTER AS HE MADE HIS WATER TAKEOFF. HE ELECTED TO CONTINUE WITH THE TAKEOFF ATTEMPT AND STRUCK THE SHORELINE PRIOR TO BECOMING AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, BUT NEITHER THE PILOT NOR HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED. HE SAID THAT HE LAST TOOK FORMALIZED FLIGHT INSTRUCTION IN 1965.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1304H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1304H), registered now, S/N 15AC-330 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 15AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca S15AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-s15ac) (registry code 0191204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15AC330
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-AIA 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Henry Shade
- Registered owner: Henry E Shade
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 023, DILLINGHAM, AK
- Airport: 023, Shannon'S Pond

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; student; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,341 total, 1,071 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLG, 3 nm away

## 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 19870711034149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870711034149A), Jul 11, 1987: Aronca STC15, Dillingham, AK, Substantial damage. The float equipped aircraft failed to become airborne and hit the beach on takeoff. Pilot reported a wet air filter

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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