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Cessna 182 Floatplane Flips During Water Landing with Left Wheels Extended (N2537G)

Lowell, MA, US

On October 29, 1989, a Cessna 182B (registration N2537G) was involved in an aviation accident near Lowell, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ASSURE THAT THE FLOAT WHEELS WERE RETRACTED PRIOR TO A WATER LANDING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE EXTENSION OF THE LEFT FLOAT WHEELS FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. 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 Cessna 182 floatplane conducted a water landing with the left wheels extended, causing the aircraft to flip over and the floats to separate. Post-crash examination revealed the left wheels were extended with the red indicator visible, while the right wheels were retracted.

Incident Summary

A Cessna 182 equipped with floats attempted a water landing. During the landing, the left wheels were in the extended position. The aircraft subsequently flipped over and the floats detached from the airframe.

Visual Indicators

The floats are fitted with visual indicators that display a red marker when the wheels are extended. When the wheels are retracted, the red marker is not visible. This system provides a visual confirmation of the landing gear position.

Post-Crash Examination

After the accident, the floats were examined. The examination revealed that the left float had its wheels extended, and the red marker was mostly visible. The right float had its wheels retracted, and the red marker was barely visible.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1989 Cessna 182B accident near Lowell, MA?

A Cessna 182 floatplane conducted a water landing with the left wheels extended, causing the aircraft to flip over and the floats to separate. Post-crash examination revealed the left wheels were extended with the red indicator visible, while the right wheels were retracted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1989 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N2537G, at Lowell, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ASSURE THAT THE FLOAT WHEELS WERE RETRACTED PRIOR TO A WATER LANDING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE EXTENSION OF THE LEFT FLOAT WHEELS FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29705. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.