On December 6, 1988, a Cessna 180J (registration N46602) operated by Debbie S. White was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot planned to taxi a floatplane but found the float rudder pulley inoperative. Deciding to fly instead, the aircraft quit flying during a turn at 150 to 200 ft AGL and descended into water.
Background
The pilot had planned to taxi the floatplane from one ramp to another for the purpose of obtaining an annual inspection and to dock the plane at better facilities. During pre-taxi checks, she found the float rudder pulley to be inoperative.
Flight Decision
After discovering the pulley issue, a decision was made to fly the plane from its original ramp to the new location instead of taxiing.
Accident
During a turn to reverse direction at about 150 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft 'quit flying' and descended to the water. No further details about the outcome or subsequent events are provided in the source material.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Dec 1988 Cessna 180J accident near Ketchikan, AK?
A pilot planned to taxi a floatplane but found the float rudder pulley inoperative. Deciding to fly instead, the aircraft quit flying during a turn at 150 to 200 ft AGL and descended into water.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 180J, registration N46602, operated by Debbie S. White, at Ketchikan, AK.
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