On May 26, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N7850X) was involved in an aviation accident near Windermere, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failure for undetermined causes and the pilot's decision to lower flaps prematurely, which resulted in the left wing striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A floatplane experienced an unexplained engine failure near 1,000 feet, prompting a forced landing on a small lake where the aircraft struck trees and landed hard.
What happened
The incident began after the pilot leveled off at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the engine of the floatplane failed for undetermined causes. In response to the power loss, the pilot identified a small lake suitable for an emergency landing and established a glide path toward the water.
During the approach, the pilot reported lowering the flaps too soon in the sequence. This premature deployment caused the left wing to strike trees located near the shoreline. The aircraft subsequently landed hard on the water surface, resulting in damage to the floats. Notably, the pilot stated that the engine regained power after the aircraft struck the trees.
Probable cause
The engine failure for undetermined causes and the pilot's decision to lower flaps prematurely, which resulted in the left wing striking trees.
What happened in the 26 May 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Windermere, FL?
A floatplane experienced an unexplained engine failure near 1,000 feet, prompting a forced landing on a small lake where the aircraft struck trees and landed hard.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 May 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7850X, at Windermere, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failure for undetermined causes and the pilot's decision to lower flaps prematurely, which resulted in the left wing striking trees.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…