Piper PA-12 N78463 accident near North Pole, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with the water.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane aborted 2 takeoffs to the north from a float pond after failing to become airborne at his no-go decision point. He reported that the wind was variable and that he then initiated a third takeoff to the south. The airplane lifted off prior to reaching the no-go point, but the pilot thought that he was not going to clear the trees at the shoreline. He said the wind may have changed direction or calmed, and the airplane was near stall airspeed. He said he had no option but to increase the pitch attitude, causing the airplane to stall and impact the pond.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA094 for the full record.