Pilot Debrief

Cessna 180 near Anchorage, AK — 2019-08-12

Final reportANC19TA044
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Date
2019-08-12
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
LHD
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Registration
N91402
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain takeoff heading due to sun glare, which resulted in his inability to see an island adjacent to the water lane and subequent impact with the island.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot was taking off from a seaplane base. Once the airplane was on step during the takeoff run to the west, the sun was in the pilot’s line of sight and he was unable to distinguish the lake’s southern water channel or see a small island in the water lane because the glare was too bright. Subsequently, the airplane struck the southeastern side of the island, nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to sun glare affecting visibility.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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