Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of engine power for unknown reasons. A factor related tot he accident were the trees encountered.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
One takeoff attempt was made during which the floatplane did not become airborne. During the second attempt the engine lost power and the airplane crashed nose down inverted in a swamp area. Post accident inspection failed to reveal the reason for the power loss.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 16, 1994, at 2024 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 15AC floatplane, N5114Y, registered to John Neely of Munith, Michigan, and piloted by a private pilot, crashed into a swamp area following takeoff from Gillett's Lake near Napolean, Michigan. Visual meteorological condition prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witnesses reported seeing the pilot attempt a takeoff during which the airplane did not become airborne. During the second takeoff, according to witnesses, the airplane engine sounded as if it lost power. The wreckage was inspected by Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards District Office in Belleville, Michigan. The inspectors reported the airplane descended and impacted the terrain in a swampy area. The airplane came to rest in an inverted 45 degree nose down attitude with the engine buried in the swamp. The wreckage was removed and further inspected at a local airport. The FAA Inspector reported that no abnormalities were found with the airplane and engine which would have resulted in a loss of engine power. (See attached Inspector's Statement) -