CESSNA T206H near Cedar Key, FL — 2008-06-07

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a dark night approach to a coastal airport.

NTSB narrative

The accident occurred less than 4 minutes after takeoff in dark night conditions and over open water, as the airplane was maneuvering near the airport. The flight departed about 15 minutes after midnight and the moon was below the horizon. Radar captured the airplane on the upwind, crosswind, and downwind legs for runway 5, reaching an altitude of 900 feet mean sea level (msl). The airplane’s last radar contact indicated a turn to base leg at 600 feet msl, while the airplane was flying toward the ocean. Witnesses at the departure airport observed the airplane on the downwind leg and then lost sight of it as the airplane turned southwest. Shortly after, a bright flash of light was observed in the water just west from their location. Wreckage examination concluded that the airplane was in a 30- to 40-degree left bank and a 5- to 10-degree nose-below-horizon attitude at the time of water impact. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction with the airplane and its systems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

VFR into IMC

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen not to take off at night over water without a flight plan.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Approach-VFR pattern downwind

Evidence available

• ADS-B / radar
• Photos
• 21 docket documents

Docket documents21

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Miscellaneous: Excerpts From the Airplane's Maintenance Records.other
• Miscellaneous: Excerpts From the Pilot's Flight Log Records.other
• Miscellaneous: Moon Position on June 6 & 7, 2008, at Cedar Key, Fl.other
• Miscellaneous: NTSB Interpretation of Blood Alcohol levels found in Transportation Operators.other
• Photo - Left Side View of Wreckage (Photo Provided by Lycoming).photos
• Photo - Right Side View of Wreckage (Photo Provided by Lycoming.)photos
• Photo - View From Airport Looking West, Over The Gulf of Mexicophotos
• Photo - View of Engine And Propeller (Photo Provided by Lycoming).photos
• Photo - View of The Cabin Floor and Dash Areaphotos
• Photo - View of The Firewallphotos
• Photo - View of Wreckage in The Water (Photo Provided by Quality Aircraft Salvage).photos
• Other Pertinent Forms and Reports:Radar Information.radar
• Reports from Local Agencies: Cedar Key Police Report.report
• Reports from Parties to the Investigation: Excerpt From McCauley Propeller Systems Final Report.report
• Reports from Parties to the Investigation: Excerpt from Lycoming Final Report.report
• Reports from Parties to the Investigation: Excerpts From Cessna Aircraft Company Final Report.report
• Toxicological Report: On Front Seat Passengerreport
• Toxicological Report: On Pilotreport

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