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Seaplane Accident During Landing on Glassy Water (N9946X)

Anchorage, AK, US

On October 26, 1987, a Cessna 185 (registration N9946X) operated by Edward G. Barber, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot-in-command made one go around when he experienced difficulty in identifying the surface of the glassy water. On the second landing attempt he flew the airplane into the water at a negative angle of attack. 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

A relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot made two landing attempts on glassy water; on the second, the aircraft entered the water at a negative angle of attack, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.

Accident Overview

A seaplane accident occurred during a landing attempt on glassy water. The pilot-in-command, who was relatively inexperienced, initially conducted a go-around after experiencing difficulty identifying the water's surface.

Landing Attempts

On the first approach, the pilot encountered challenges in visually discerning the surface due to glassy water conditions and executed a go-around. During the second landing attempt, the pilot flew the airplane into the water at a negative angle of attack.

Sequence of Events

Upon contacting the water, the airplane remained upright despite executing a partial cartwheel to the right. It subsequently rolled onto the left wing before righting itself.

Damage and Injuries

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. No injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot-in-command made one go around when he experienced difficulty in identifying the surface of the glassy water. On the second landing attempt he flew the airplane into the water at a negative angle of attack.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1987 Cessna 185 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot made two landing attempts on glassy water; on the second, the aircraft entered the water at a negative angle of attack, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1987 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1987 involved a Cessna 185, registration N9946X, operated by Edward G. Barber, Jr., at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot-in-command made one go around when he experienced difficulty in identifying the surface of the glassy water. On the second landing attempt he flew the airplane into the water at a negative angle of attack.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32224. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.