Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206F near Igiugig, AK — 2021-08-02

Final reportANC21LA066
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Date
2021-08-02
Location
Igiugig, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA U206F
Registration
N9608G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to continue a takeoff attempt when it became evident that the airplane would not become airborne before reaching the departure end shoreline.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting a takeoff in a float-equipped airplane. He estimated the gross weight of the airplane to be about 300 lbs. under the maximum gross weight limitation. He stated that after seeing the shoreline get “uncomfortably closer,” he wondered why the airplane was not getting airborne. The airplane subsequently impacted the shore, nosed over, and came to rest inverted on the beach. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The FAA publication Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook (FAA-H-8083-23) states that for seaplanes, as weight increases, the floats sink deeper into the water, creating a significant amount of water drag force during initial acceleration that results in a longer takeoff run.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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