CHI94LA244

Factual narrative

On July 26, 1994, at 1540 central daylight time, a Montana Coyote experimental seaplane, N218LW, had a complete loss of engine power while en route from Brandon, Minnesota, to Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The commercial pilot made a forced landing on Golden Lake, Minnesota. The seaplane was substantially damaged. Neither the pilot or the sole passenger aboard were injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. The pilot stated the airplane's engine lost power while descending to land at Rice Lake Seaplane Base, Minnesota. He initiated a forced landing on Golden Lake. The seaplane landed hard, ballooned into the air, and then stalled. A postaccident investigation revealed the vent line to the right wing feeder tank was completely blocked with a material similar to mud or dirt. No other evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies were discovered. While descending to land at a seaplane base, the seaplane had a complete loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing on a lake. The seaplane landed hard, ballooned into the air, and then stalled. Postaccident examination revealed the vent line to the right wing feeder tank was completely blocked with material similar to mud or dirt. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12