Pilot Debrief

Cessna 180 near Anchorage, AK — 2020-07-05

Final reportANC20LA065
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Date
2020-07-05
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
LHD
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Registration
N9185T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The failure of the left float bottom due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of control during the water landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, and corroborated by video capturing the accident, during a normal touchdown in a float-equipped airplane, the left float dug into the water and the airplane veered abruptly and nosed over. A postaccident examination revealed a large hole in the bottom of the left float just forward of the step. Corrosion was present around the hole and no impact signatures were present on the bottom of the float. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of control during the water landing due to the failure of the left float due to corrosion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected floats for corrosion before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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