No fatalities

Cessna TU206G Noses Over and Sinks During Water Landing at Lake Tahoe (N6277Z)

Taohoma, CA, US

On July 28, 1985, a Cessna TU206G (registration N6277Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Taohoma, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that while 5 to 6 feet above the water, the seat slid back, causing the control yoke to come back, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On July 27, 1985, a float-equipped Cessna TU206G landed on choppy water at the Lake Tahoe seaplane base, nosed over, and sank. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. Witnesses reported waves of 2-5 feet and 20-knot winds.

Incident Overview

On July 27, 1985, a float-equipped Cessna TU206G experienced a landing accident at the seaplane base on Lake Tahoe, California. The aircraft, which was on a water landing, nosed over and subsequently sank. The pilot and one passenger aboard were not injured.

Sequence of Events

Witnesses at the scene reported that the aircraft landed on choppy water. The pilot later stated that when the airplane was approximately 5 to 6 feet above the water surface, the seat slid backward. This movement caused the control yoke to move aft, resulting in the tail of the aircraft nosing over into the water. The airplane then sank.

Weather and Water Conditions

According to witness accounts, the water conditions at the time of the accident were described as moderate chop, with wave heights ranging from 2 to 5 feet. Wind speeds were reported to be around 20 knots.

Investigation Findings

No further details regarding the investigation or causal factors have been provided in the source material beyond the pilot's statement regarding the seat movement.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that while 5 to 6 feet above the water, the seat slid back, causing the control yoke to come back, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 1985 Cessna TU206G accident near Taohoma, CA?

On July 27, 1985, a float-equipped Cessna TU206G landed on choppy water at the Lake Tahoe seaplane base, nosed over, and sank. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. Witnesses reported waves of 2-5 feet and 20-knot winds.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 1985 Cessna TU206G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna TU206G, registration N6277Z, at Taohoma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot stated that while 5 to 6 feet above the water, the seat slid back, causing the control yoke to come back, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.