Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TU206G near Ballard, WA — 2009-08-28

Final reportWPR09LA423
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Date
2009-08-28
Location
Ballard, WA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA TU206G
Registration
N682RC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's precautionary water landing with partially extended landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the unidentified anomaly with the airplane's electrical system, which rendered the gear position indicator system inoperative.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 15 minutes after taking off from a runway in an amphibious airplane, all electrical power was lost. The pilot also observed that the fuel gauges indicated empty, and he became concerned about continuing his flight over populated areas. Therefore, he chose to make a precautionary water landing to a nearby marina to check his fuel state and investigate the electrical problem. Prior to landing, the pilot reported that he attempted to hand pump the landing gear up. He was able to visually confirm that both of the front gear were raised, however, due to the electrical failure, the gear position indicator was inoperative and he was unable to verify if the main gear were retracted. During the water landing, the left main aft gear was still extended and upon touchdown, the left pontoon lifted and the right wing tip impacted the water. The airplane pitched forward and nosed over. The reason for the electrical failure was not determined due to damage from the airplane's immersion in salt water.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have continued to intended destination instead of landing in the marina.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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