# NTSB IAD97LA091: Aeronca S15AC, N1105H, Laconia, NH, June 12, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1997, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Laconia, NH
- Location: 43.5765° N, 71.4823° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Laconia, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5765&lon=-71.4823&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 10, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28207
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA091
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28207/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA091

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind, which resulted in the loss of aircraft control.  A factor in the accident was the gusting winds.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, taxi
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot was water taxiing the seaplane and performing a magneto check 'on the step.'  The pilot said he was completing the run-up phase, and the airspeed was close to lift-off speed, when a gust of wind caught the left wing. The airplane became airborne prematurely, and the wind blew the airplane sideways where it struck trees.  The reported wind at the time of the accident was 330 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.  The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane or engine. The water rudder was found in the down position.

## Factual narrative

On June 12, 1997, at 1750 eastern daylight time, N1105H, an Aeronca S15AC floatplane, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees during taxi on a lake near Laconia, New Hampshire.  The commercial pilot, the sole occupant was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.  The local, personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot reported that while taxiing the airplane downwind, "on the step" position, a gust of wind caught the left wing, and the airplane became airborne prematurely.  The airplane struck trees, and came to rest in a marsh adjacent to the lake.

The FAA Inspector said, the pilot was completing his run-up check which included an engine magneto check.  The pilot said the airspeed was close to lift off speed, and the wind shifted during the run-up.

The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 330 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.  The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane or engine.  Examination of the wreckage revealed that the water rudder was found in the down position.

Several attempts were made to contact the pilot both by telephone, and by mail.  He did not return the pilot/operator report that was mailed to him.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1105H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1105H), registered now, S/N 15AC-125, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aeronca S15AC
- 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: 15AC-125
- Engines: Continental C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Alan Dexter Emerson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, NH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 15,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LCI

## 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 19970612013829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970612013829A), Jun 12, 1997: Aronca S15AC, Laconia, NH, Substantial damage. The pilot was water taxiing the seaplane and performing a magneto check on the step. The pilot said he was completing the run up phase, and the airspeed was…

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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