Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185F near Trapper Creek, AK — 2025-05-21

Final reportANC25LA057
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Date
2025-05-21
Location
Trapper Creek, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA A185F
Registration
N3308S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper flare while landing on glassy water, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, as he approached his intended landing site in a float-equipped airplane, there were overcast sky conditions, light rain, and a glassy water surface on the remote lake. While on approach to the lake he lost depth perception and landed hard on the water which resulted in damage to the float riggings. He performed a go-around and on the second attempt to land the float rigging failed and the airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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