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Pilot Ejected from Amphibious Aircraft During Night Docking (N6441K)

Kingsland, TX, US

On June 19, 1991, a Republic RC-3 (registration N6441K) operated by Billy J. Woody was involved in an aviation accident near Kingsland, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during docking due to the pilot's lack of seaplane rating and failure to wear a seatbelt. 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 private pilot lost control of an amphibious aircraft while taxiing at night, striking a submerged dock and ejecting through the door without a seatbelt.

What happened

The incident occurred during a nighttime water taxi operation involving an amphibious airplane. While maneuvering toward a dock for docking procedures, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The landing gear or float assembly collided with the submerged portion of the dock. The impact force expelled the pilot out through the right door directly into the water.

The pilot was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident. Additionally, the private pilot and owner of the aircraft did not hold a seaplane rating.

Probable cause

Loss of control during docking due to the pilot's lack of seaplane rating and failure to wear a seatbelt.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.