# NTSB SEA85LA148: Piper PA-18, N16688, Bellevue, WA, June 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1985, 14:05 local (21:05 UTC)
- Place: Bellevue, WA
- Coordinates: 47.609004, -122.209136 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6090&lon=-122.2091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40184
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40184/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA148

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - flt control syst,elevator control - movement restricted (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used
  - lift-off - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - aborted takeoff

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE PRE-FLT CHECK, SHE NEGLECTED TO UNTIE THE REAR SEAT BELT FROM THE AFT CONTROL STICK. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR TAXI & TAKEOFF IN THIS FLOAT PLANE WAS TO KEEP THE STICK FULL AFT. SINCE THE ACFT WAS LOW ON FUEL & WAS TAKING OFF IN A HEADWIND, IT LIFTED OFF EARLY. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT 'TRIED TO MOVE THE STICK FORWARD AND FOUND IT LOCKED.'  SHE RETARDED THE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FT ABOVE THE WATER. THE ACFT THEN NOSED DOWN & HIT THE WATER. THE PLT WAS WEARING A SPECIAL SAFETY HARNESS & WAS NOT INJURED. SHE STATED THAT HER PREFLT WAS TOO CASUAL. SHE RECOMMENDED BEING METHODICAL & USING A CHECK LIST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16688](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N16688), registered now, S/N 18-875 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-125](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-125) (registry code 7101812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18875
- Airframe hours: 7765
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William H. Cook, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 18, 1985
- Destination: WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 445 total, 132 in this make and model, 346 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 305° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19850625055149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850625055149A), Jun 25, 1985: Piper PA18125, Bellevue, WA, Substantial damage. Water takeoff with rear control stick fastened full aft by seat belt. Stalled into water where aircraft sank.

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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