On July 27, 1985, a Cessna 206 (registration N4649U) was involved in an aviation accident near Kustatan River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control during takeoff from glassy water conditions, which resulted in a setback and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot taking off from a lake on a hot day experienced a setback after initial lift-off, touching down on the water before attempting to climb again.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting a takeoff operation from a river or lake area characterized by glassy water conditions. The weather during the flight was described as hot and sultry. Following the initial lift-off, the aircraft settled back down and touched the surface of the water. After this contact, the aircraft lifted off again and flew beyond the edge of the lake. It then settled and nosed over in a swampy area containing high vegetation.
The investigation
An examination of the event was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was noted during the investigation.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control during takeoff from glassy water conditions, which resulted in a setback and subsequent loss of control.
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