On July 1, 1993, a Cessna 180K (registration N2880K) operated by Edward Downer was involved in an aviation accident near Webster, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE PROPER WEIGHT AND BALANCE OF THE AIRCRAFT FOR TAKEOFF, AND HIS FAILURE TO OBTAIN AND/OR MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane on floats stalled at about 40 feet above a lake shortly after takeoff, impacted nose-down, and nosed over. Post-accident examination found no anomalies, but the aircraft was over its maximum gross weight by 630 pounds, and water was found in the right float.
Accident Overview
Shortly after taking off from a lake, the airplane stalled while at an altitude of approximately 40 feet above the water's surface. The aircraft then descended and impacted the lake in a nose-down attitude, subsequently nosing over. No further details regarding the timing or circumstances of the flight were reported.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies. The airplane's cargo weighed about 400 pounds. The gross weight of the airplane was calculated to be approximately 3,450 pounds, which exceeded its maximum gross weight limit by about 630 pounds. Additionally, an undetermined amount of water was found in the aft three compartments of the right float.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1993 Cessna 180K accident near Webster, NH?
An airplane on floats stalled at about 40 feet above a lake shortly after takeoff, impacted nose-down, and nosed over. Post-accident examination found no anomalies, but the aircraft was over its maximum gross weight by 630 pounds, and water was found in the right float.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2880K, operated by Edward Downer, at Webster, NH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE PROPER WEIGHT AND BALANCE OF THE AIRCRAFT FOR TAKEOFF, AND HIS FAILURE TO OBTAIN AND/OR MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A POSSIBLE FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: WATER IN THE RIGHT FLOAT.
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