Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206G near Homer, AK — 2012-07-11

Final reportANC12FA073
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Date
2012-07-11
Location
Homer, AK, USA
Airport
5BL
Aircraft
CESSNA U206G
Registration
N206VR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper evaluation of the weather conditions and his subsequent downwind water landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while landing in a southerly direction on a lake, a gust of wind lifted the left wing just after touchdown, and the right wing struck the water. The airplane nosed over abruptly, and the cabin immediately filled with water. The pilot estimated the wind to be from 130 degrees at 10 knots, with peak gusts between 12 to 14 knots. However, a pilot-rated witness who observed the accident from the southeastern shoreline of the lake reported that the wind was strong and gusty out of the northeast at 20 to 25 knots at the time. He thought the accident airplane was on a downwind leg, but it was on final approach. He said that the airplane had a very fast ground speed and touched down slightly nose down in a left-float-low attitude. The nose of the left float dug into the water, the left wing struck the water, and the airplane rapidly nosed over. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the pilot-rated witness’s statement and the damage to the airplane and its floats, it is likely that the pilot misjudged the wind conditions and landed with a strong, gusty tailwind. The airplane then contacted the rough water with the left float low and nosed over. On this airplane, the right rear cargo door is blocked by the wing flap when it is extended. After the accident, the pilot and three of the passengers were able to egress the airplane by bending that door and sliding through the small opening that they created. The fourth passenger was unable to exit through the door; however, due to the nature of her injuries, it is unlikely that the blocked exit contributed to her death.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to abort landing due to gusty wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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