On December 29, 1987, a Cessna U206G (registration N4820R) operated by Key West Seaplane Service, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Key West, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during water taxiing in high crosswind conditions, which resulted in a wing lift and subsequent rollover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A seaplane rolled over while taxiing into the wind during takeoff preparation due to a wing lift event that could not be corrected by the pilot.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was water taxiing northwest from the ramp toward the takeoff position. At the time, the wind was blowing from the north at a speed of 22 knots. During this maneuver, the right wing unexpectedly lifted, causing the left float to dig into the water surface.
Attempting to regain control, the pilot tried to correct the situation by turning into the wind and applying full-up right aileron input. Despite these efforts, the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from rolling over. The seaplane eventually came to rest in this overturned position.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during water taxiing in high crosswind conditions, which resulted in a wing lift and subsequent rollover.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Dec 1987 Cessna U206G accident near Key West, FL?
A seaplane rolled over while taxiing into the wind during takeoff preparation due to a wing lift event that could not be corrected by the pilot.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Dec 1987 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N4820R, operated by Key West Seaplane Service, Inc, at Key West, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during water taxiing in high crosswind conditions, which resulted in a wing lift and subsequent rollover.
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…