Casualties unknown

Cessna 180 Floatplane Strikes Trees After Power Loss During Low-Level Turn (N2601Y)

Friday Harbor, WA, US

On March 29, 1991, a Cessna 180 (registration N2601Y) operated by Roy O. Bordner was involved in an aviation accident near Friday Harbor, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER CLIMB GRADIENT AND RATE AS A RESULT OF HIS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. 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 180 floatplane crashed into trees about fifty feet from shore after the pilot reduced power for noise abatement following takeoff, then was unable to regain sufficient climb performance during a turn.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of a Cessna 180 floatplane reported that after takeoff, he reduced engine power for noise abatement purposes once the aircraft reached approximately 40 feet above ground level. The aircraft continued climbing to about 50 feet after turning crosswind. When the pilot turned east (downwind) to fly through a channel, he applied full power. However, the aircraft began to slip toward the right side of the channel and subsequently crashed into trees roughly fifty feet from the shoreline.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The aircraft was a Cessna 180 floatplane. No further details about the registration, operator, or pilot were provided in the source. The pilot was the sole occupant mentioned.

Environmental Conditions

The accident occurred during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions. The specific location, date, and time were not specified. The channel mentioned suggests a waterway environment consistent with floatplane operations.

Investigation

No probable cause was determined by the investigating authority. The report is based solely on the pilot's statement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Mar 1991 Cessna 180 accident near Friday Harbor, WA?

A Cessna 180 floatplane crashed into trees about fifty feet from shore after the pilot reduced power for noise abatement following takeoff, then was unable to regain sufficient climb performance during a turn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2601Y, operated by Roy O. Bordner, at Friday Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER CLIMB GRADIENT AND RATE AS A RESULT OF HIS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16706. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.