On June 21, 1991, a Cessna 180 (registration N6503A) operated by Einarson Brths. Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Rapids, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in the seaplane bouncing and flipping inverted after the right wing contacted the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A seaplane bounced during a landing approach with shifting winds, causing the right wing to strike the water before the aircraft flipped completely inverted.
What happened
The pilot reported that he failed to maintain a proper airspeed during the landing approach to the southeast. During this phase of the flight, the wind conditions were unstable, shifting from the southeast to the northeast. As the seaplane touched down, it bounced upon contact with the water surface. This bounce caused the right wing to strike the water, which subsequently led to the seaplane flipping inverted.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the landing approach and the immediate physical consequences of the impact. The primary finding was that the failure to maintain proper airspeed contributed to the bounce. The shifting wind conditions from southeast to northeast were also noted as a factor in the approach dynamics.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in the seaplane bouncing and flipping inverted after the right wing contacted the water.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Jun 1991 Cessna 180 accident near Grand Rapids, MN?
A seaplane bounced during a landing approach with shifting winds, causing the right wing to strike the water before the aircraft flipped completely inverted.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jun 1991 involved a Cessna 180, registration N6503A, operated by Einarson Brths. Flying Service, at Grand Rapids, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in the seaplane bouncing and flipping inverted after the right wing contacted the water.
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