Healy, AK, USA
N4315M
Piper PA 12
The pilot reported that, while taking off from water to the east, the wind shifted from the east to the south. The airplane became airborne and then aerodynamically stalled, and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water takeoff to the east, the wind shifted from the east to the south. The airplane became airborne, aerodynamically stalled, and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was from 115° at 30 knots, gusting to 30 knots.
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while taking off from water in shifting wind conditions.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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