Pilot Debrief

BENTON FRED D SEAWIND 3000 near Sarasota, FL — 2013-01-12

Final reportERA13FA109
Sign in to save
Date
2013-01-12
Location
Sarasota, FL, USA
Airport
SRQ
Aircraft
BENTON FRED D SEAWIND 3000
Registration
N829GS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to establish a normal climb rate after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to demonstrate the amphibious airplane for a potential buyer. Four months earlier, the accident pilot performed a forced landing on water due to a loss of engine power. Maintenance personnel subsequently found a broken fuel injector line and repaired same. The propeller was also removed, overhauled, and replaced. A witness stated that the pilot had difficulty starting the engine prior to the accident flight. Maintenance personnel reported that the pilot performed high speed taxi tests prior to the flight and the pilot stated to them that the engine and propeller were performing satisfactorily. During the takeoff and initial climb, witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to be climbing slowly and then stopped climbing and was on the verge of a stall. The airplane "pancaked" into trees and exploded. One witness heard a backfire or popping noise prior to the crash. The airplane collided with trees and then the ground, resulting in a post-crash fire that consumed a majority of the wreckage. An examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller did not reveal evidence of a pre-existing malfunction or failure. Smooth cuts in tree limbs indicated that the engine was operating at the time of impact. The reason for the pilot's inability to establish a normal climb gradient could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine issues during taxi.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 26 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents26

Related mishaps