66 Seawind experimental aircrafts are currently on the FAA Registry
17 crash reports are available on the NTSB Aviation database
That is an impressive fail rate!
17 crash reports are available on the NTSB Aviation database
That is an impressive fail rate!
9/18/2014 Bloomington, IN - 2 dead
Preliminary Report: "On September 18, 2014, about 1145 central daylight time, a kit-built Seawind 3000 seaplane, N516SW, impacted terrain near Bloomington, Indiana. The private rated pilot and pilot rated passenger were fatally injured, and the seaplane was destroyed. The seaplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.
Initial reports indicated the pilot contacted the control tower operator at Monroe Country Airport (KBMG), and reported he had a low fuel pressure indicator problem. Several witnesses reported seeing the seaplane, with one witness noting that the seaplane was on fire. The seaplane impacted terrain about 3 miles north of KBMG. A postcrash fire consumed much of the composite seaplane.
The seaplane wreckage was retained for further examination.
Updated on Sep 26 2014 8:28AM"
1/12/2013 Sarasota, FL - 1 dead, 1 serious
The pilot's inability to establish a normal climb rate after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
4/2/2012 Deland, FL - 1 dead, 1 serious along with three hurt on the ground
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the damage and postimpact fire precluded thorough examination of the engine and its systems.
6/23/2010 Sanibel Island, FL - No injuries
An overstress failure of the elevator. Contributing to the accident was the owner/builder's modification of the experimental airplane beyond the recommendations of the kit manufacturer.
4/23/2007 Knox City, MO - 2 dead, 1 serious
The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain that was encountered by the pilot during the forced landing.
4/11/2007 Yanceyville, NC - 1 dead
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance/altitude while operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, his improper decision to operate in IMC, a low cloud ceiling, and reduced visibility.
7/10/2006 Havasu Lake, CA - No injuries
An electrical fire due to improper wiring of the electrical system by other maintenance personnel.
8/28/2005 Wrightsville Beach, NC - 2 dead
The pilot's improper preflight decision to attempt night VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in an inflight encounter with weather and the pilot's subsequent loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.Note: Pilot in this case was drunk and high on barbiturates at the time of the crash
6/18/2005 Sarasota, FL - 1 dead
Maintenance personnel failure to secure throttle linkage on the carburetor which resulted in loss of engine power and a collision with a building.
12/8/2004 Trenton, NJ - 1 minor, 1 uninjured
The pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A contributing factor to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent loss of airspeed.
11/30/2002 Bryant, WA - 2 dead
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the flying pilot to maintain flying speed resulting in an inadvertent stall, loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.
9/7/2002 Bloomingburg, OH - 1 serious
The pilot's inadvertent use of the fuel shutoff valve which resulted in a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
10/3/2000 Chapin, SC - 1 uninjured
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the trees.
2/11/2000 Cumberland Gap, VA - 2 dead
The pilot's continued flight from visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions.
6/14/1999 Martinsburg, WV - 1 uninjured
The air-intake's inner liner separating from its outer liner, which blocked airflow to the fuel servo, resulting in a loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the owner/builder's inadequate inspection of the airplane.
2/11/1999 Bradenton, FL - 1 minor
Total loss of engine power due to a burned piston for undetermined reasons resulting in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain and the subsequent crash landing onto a golf course.
4/3/1993 Coatesville, PA - 1 minor, 1 uninjured
Improper adjustment setting of the propeller pitch change mechanism and/or propeller governor output pressure, which resulted in a loss of positive thrust and a forced landing.
