Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb.
NTSB analysis
Moments after a calm-water takeoff, the single-engine floatplane stalled while in a climbing turn and impacted the water in a nose low attitude. The airplane came to rest nearly submerged with the empennage extending above the surface. The pilot and passenger were able to exit unassisted. During the mishap the airplane’s wing struts were bent and both floats were torn free from their mounts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA070 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Soldotna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Sport Lake
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7EC
- N-number
- N4697E
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.