Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA475

Willow, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N5236D

CESSNA 180

Analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after observing what he thought were ripples on the water, the airplane touched down sooner than he had expected. Subsequently, the left float skipped on the water, the right float's toe contacted the water, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after observing what he thought were ripples on the water, the airplane touched down sooner than he had expected. Subsequently, the left float skipped on the water, the toe of the right float contacted the water, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper landing flare while landing on water with glassy water conditions, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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