On May 31, 1993, a Cessna 170 (registration N1260D) operated by Booth, Robert J. was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADEQUATE HANDLING OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot's attempt to lift floats by rocking the aircraft at 50 mph led to a loss of control and a shoreline impact. No mechanical issues were found.
Accident Sequence
The pilot-in-command reported that he rocked the airplane to the right to lift his left float out of the water while traveling at 50 miles per hour. He then rocked the airplane to the left to lift his right float out of the water. At that point, the airplane began to turn to the right and would not respond to the flight controls. The pilot was using zero degrees of flaps and could not recall the position of the ailerons and rudders. The airplane subsequently struck the shoreline and nosed over.
Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical irregularities. Flight control continuity was established between all flight controls, indicating that the control system was intact and functional at the time of the accident.