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Casualties unknown

Floatplane Noses Over After Failed Takeoff on Lake (N6588Z)

Iliamna, AK, US

On July 27, 1989, a Cessna 206G (registration N6588Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll beyond the decision point despite the aircraft not lifting off as expected, leading to a collision with a bank. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane pilot attempted to take off from a lake after picking up two fishermen. The aircraft failed to lift off and struck a bank, resulting in a nose-over incident during the takeoff phase.

What happened

The pilot of a floatplane landed on a lake with the intention of picking up two fishermen. After the pickup was completed, the pilot initiated a subsequent takeoff. The takeoff run along the water onto the step appeared normal to the pilot. Upon reaching the decision point for rotation, the pilot believed the aircraft would become airborne and continued the takeoff roll. However, the floatplane failed to lift off from the water surface. As the aircraft continued forward without gaining altitude, it struck a bank on the shoreline and nosed over.

The investigation

The available factual narrative indicates that the takeoff run onto the step was normal until the decision point. No mechanical failures or external factors were explicitly cited in the source text regarding the failure to lift off, other than the outcome of striking a bank.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll beyond the decision point despite the aircraft not lifting off as expected, leading to a collision with a bank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1989 Cessna 206G accident near Iliamna, AK?

A floatplane pilot attempted to take off from a lake after picking up two fishermen. The aircraft failed to lift off and struck a bank, resulting in a nose-over incident during the takeoff phase.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 206G, registration N6588Z, at Iliamna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll beyond the decision point despite the aircraft not lifting off as expected, leading to a collision with a bank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28707. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.