On January 18, 1991, a Cessna 180K (registration N63130) operated by Aquatic Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson, LA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO IDENTIFY AN UNSAFE OR HAZARDOUS CONDITION. FACTORS WERE: ROUGH WATER AND HIGH WINDS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot disappeared after aborting three takeoffs due to rough sea, then discovered a sinking left float from missing bilge plugs. Attempts to repair failed; the pilot was last seen treading water and is presumed drowned.
Incident Sequence
The pilot made three attempts to take off but aborted each due to rough sea conditions. After the third abort, he noticed the left float was sinking because several bilge plugs were missing. He shut down the engine and attempted to pump water out of the float and plug the holes with wadded paper.
As the airplane began to list, the pilot instructed the passengers to don life vests. The passengers exited the airplane and tried to stop water from seeping into the right float. When they looked around for the pilot, he had disappeared.
Rescue and Presumption
The pilot was last seen holding onto his life vest and treading water. He is presumed drowned. His inflated life vest was later recovered. The passengers were rescued by a passing ship.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Jan 1991 Cessna 180K accident near Patterson, LA?
A pilot disappeared after aborting three takeoffs due to rough sea, then discovered a sinking left float from missing bilge plugs. Attempts to repair failed; the pilot was last seen treading water and is presumed drowned.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jan 1991 Cessna 180K accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jan 1991 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N63130, operated by Aquatic Aviation, Inc., at Patterson, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO IDENTIFY AN UNSAFE OR HAZARDOUS CONDITION. FACTORS WERE: ROUGH WATER AND HIGH WINDS.
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