Pilot Debrief

Kermit Weeks Quicksilver near Polk City, FL — 2009-09-25

Final reportERA09CA545
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Date
2009-09-25
Location
Polk City, FL, USA
Airport
FA08
Aircraft
Kermit Weeks Quicksilver
Registration
N69MX
Category
Ultralight
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to adequately inspect the landing gear floats for water prior to takeoff.

NTSB narrative

After the pilot landed the amphibious ultralight on a lake, he taxied to the seaplane ramp and parked with about 25 percent of the floats in the water. After about 45 minutes, he attempted a takeoff on the lake and the ultralight would not lift off. He checked the floats and found a significant amount of water inside. He pumped out what he thought was all of the water and attempted another water takeoff; again the aircraft would not become airborne. He began to taxi back to the hangar and decided to perform a takeoff on the grass runway to avoid taxiing over some rough terrain. Shortly after takeoff, the nose pitched up to an excessive angle. The pilot attempted to maintain aircraft control; however the ultralight settled and impacted the runway, resulting in structural damage to the wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was water in the floats after the accident and that he did not inspect the floats for water before the final takeoff attempt.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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