# NTSB FTW91LA101: Republic RC-3, N6441K, Kingsland, TX, June 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1991, 20:15 local (Jun 19, 1991, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Kingsland, TX
- Coordinates: 26.289901, -98.159866 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2899&lon=-98.1599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23348
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23348/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA101

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPEREINCE IN SEAPLANES.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - from landing
  - object - submerged object
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,seat belt - not secured
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A NIGHTTIME WATER TAXI THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AMPHIBIOUS AIRLANE DURING THE DOCKING.  THE AIRPLANE LEFT LANDING GEAR/FLOAT ASSEMBLY HIT THE SUBMERGED PORTION OF THE DOCK AND EXPELLED THE PILOT OUT THE RIGHT DOOR INTO THE WATER.  THE PILOT WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT.  THE PRIVATE PILOT/OWNER WAS NOT SEAPLANE RATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6441K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6441K-2022-12-27), registration cancelled 2022-12-27, S/N 691, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: REPUBLIC RC-3
- Registry model: [Downer REPUBLIC RC-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/downer-republic-rc-3) (registry code 3080204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A8 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a8-series) (registry code 27030, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 691
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6AB-215-B9F 215 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Billy J. Woody
- Registered owner: Billy J. Woody

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 500 total, 10 in this make and model, 450 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 110° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 73 °F

## 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 19910619022429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910619022429A), Jun 19, 1991: Stolam RC3, Kingsland, TX, Minor damage. Night water practice. Lost control docking. Gear and hull hit dock. Ejected pilot into water. Not seaplane rated.

## Other investigations on N6441K (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW82DA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA254), Jun 26, 1982: Downer Aircraft Industries Republic RC-3 (N6441K), Llano, TX, substantial damage

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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