Casualties unknown

Seaplane Loses Float After Microburst During Water Landing (N22932)

Akutan, AK, US

On January 7, 1993, a Grumman G-21A (registration N22932) operated by Peninsula Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Akutan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE PILOTS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WINDS. FACTORS WERE THE MICROBURST, THE ROUGH WATER, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering a microburst just after touching down on water. The wind suddenly increased from 15-20 knots to 40-50 knots, tearing off the left wing float. The pilot beached the airplane across the bay.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that shortly after touching down on water, his aircraft encountered a microburst. The wind speed suddenly changed from an estimated 15 to 20 knots to 40 to 50 knots. As a result, the left wing float struck the water and was torn off.

Pilot Actions

Due to the strong winds and rough water conditions, the pilot was unable to become airborne or turn the airplane. He maintained the aircraft's heading into the wind and successfully beached it on the opposite side of the bay.

Weather Information

The pilot noted that suitable weather conditions had been reported for the landing area approximately half an hour before the incident.

No further details were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11640. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.