NTSB Factual Report

On June 29, 2018, about 1307 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N7675D, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a partial power loss after takeoff at Lake Hood Seaplane Base (LHD), Anchorage, Alaska. The airline transport pilot, who was acting as pilot-in-command (PIC) from the back seat, sustained minor injuries and the pilot rated passenger in the front seat was uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 visual flight rules personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was destined for a private cabin near Rainy Pass, Alaska, about 100 miles northwest of LHD.

According to the PIC, when the airplane was about 150 ft above ground level (agl) following a departure from the north water lane, the engine began to "sputter" and stopped producing sufficient power to climb. He then turned the airplane to the east to land on runway 14 (gravel) while he "pumped" the throttle and had the passenger check that the fuel selector valve was in the "ON" position. The airplane impacted the grass area between runway 14 and taxiway hotel, just north of H3. The airplane came to rest on a heading of about 070° and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

The airplane was removed from the runway and secured for further investigation. A detailed airframe and engine examination is pending.

The airplane was equipped with a Lycoming O-320 series engine.