Casualties unknown

1992-06-21: Cessna 185 (N1589F) — Hudson Air Service — Sole Lake, AK

Sole Lake, AK, US

On June 21, 1992, a Cessna 185 (registration N1589F) operated by Hudson Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Sole Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS. FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane drifted right during landing on a narrow part of a shoe-shaped lake, striking a beaver lodge with its right float and dragging wings on water before taxiing to shore with no mechanical issues.

Incident Details

A recent aviation incident involved a floatplane attempting to land on a lake with a distinctive shape resembling the sole of a shoe. The pilot chose the narrowest part of the lake for the landing approach. At the time, the wind was from the west, with an estimated speed of 15 to 20 knots.

Sequence of Events

Just prior to touchdown, the airplane began to drift to the right. During this drift, the right float of the aircraft struck a beaver house (also known as a beaver lodge). Subsequently, the left wing made contact with the water surface, followed by the right wing dragging along the water. The aircraft remained afloat throughout the event, and the pilot was able to taxi the airplane to the shore without further incident.

Outcome

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft before or after the occurrence. The airplane sustained contact damage from the beaver lodge and the water, but no additional information about the extent of damage was provided. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft successfully reached the shore under its own power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.