# NTSB ANC97LA108: Goode Avid Flyer MK-IV, N4356H, Nikiski, AK, July 20, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 20, 1997, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC) - Place: Nikiski, AK - Location: 60.6903° N, 151.2889° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Nikiski, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.6903&lon=-151.2889&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 10, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 3031 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC97LA108 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3031/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA108 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were the sudden windshift, and the pilot's lack of seaplane certification. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - sudden windshift (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - lack of certification, pilot in command (contributing factor) - Hard landing, descent - terrain condition - water ## Analysis The experimental seaplane was unable to maintain a climb sufficient to clear trees at the end of the lake when the headwind shifted to a gusty crosswind. The pilot intentionally landed hard onto the water to avoid trees which were located on the shoreline. The floats separated from the airplane at impact. The pilot did not hold a seaplane rating. ## Factual narrative On July 20, 1997, at 1130 Alaska daylight time, an Avid Flyer float equipped airplane, N4356H, impacted the water during takeoff from Parsons Lake, Alaska, 10 miles northeast of Nikiski, Alaska. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private certificated pilot and single passenger were uninjured. The experimental airplane was manufactured and operated by Audie D. Goode of Nikiski, Alaska. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that after takeoff, the wind shifted from a headwind to a gusting crosswind, and the airplane could not maintain a climb. He stated that he intentionally landed back onto the water when it became apparent he would not clear trees which were located on the shoreline. The airplane landed hard, and both floats separated from the airplane. The cabin doors were unable to be opened, and both occupants exited through the broken Lexan roof. The pilot did not have a seaplane rating. The Alaska State Trooper who responded to the accident site stated that the winds were observed changing direction as he walked around the lake. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4356H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4356H-1999-05-01), registration cancelled 1999-05-01, S/N 1093D (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: GOODE AVID FLYER MK-IV (AVID FLYER) - Registry model: [Goode David AVID FLYER](https://openairdocs.org/model/goode-david-avid-flyer) (registry code 05618KG) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1093D - Airframe hours: 97 - Engines: Rotax 582-UL 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Audie D. Goode - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 22, 1997, 6 hours before - Departed: PARSONS LAKE, AK ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 179 total, 38 in this make and model, 166 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 8 knots - Visibility: 70 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken - Temperature: 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: ENA, 11 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 19970720018979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970720018979A), Jul 20, 1997: Amtr AVIDFLYER, Nikiski, AK, Substantial damage. Aircrft crashed on takeoff. (.4) the experimental seaplane was unable to maintain a climb sufficient to clear trees at the end of the lake when the headwind… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.