NTSB Factual Report

On July 22, 2001, at 0745 eastern daylight time, a W. E. Simmons Max Air Drifter ARV 582 experimental amphibious airplane, N102WS, registered to a private owner, collided with the water while maneuvering to avoid a bridge after a loss of engine power in Collington, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot received serious injuries, the passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating in Collington, North Carolina, at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the airplane was on initial climb after a water takeoff when it experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power. The pilot established a glide straight ahead. A small bridge was in the flight path, and the pilot stated the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to clear it. The pilot turned the airplane hard to the left to avoid a collision with the bridge. The pilot stated there was not enough altitude or airspeed to complete the turn and landing flare. The airplane struck the water as the pilot maneuvered for the emergency landing.

The examination of the recovered airplane disclosed that both wings had separated from the airframe. Water submersion and impact damage to the engine assembly prevent a functional examination. However, the subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the engine had seized and the internal components would not rotate. According to the pilot, the airplane maintenance logs were kept in the airplane, and they were not recovered from the water with the airplane. The pilot further reported that the engine had been overhauled once, but he could not recall the exact time of the overhaul, or total engine time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The internal seizing of the engine assembly that resulted in a total loss of engine power during climb out.