On September 18, 1993, a Cessna 185 (registration N84627) operated by Ketchikan Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION. THE ROUGH WATER IN THE TAKEOFF AREA WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff run on water, a floatplane hit a large swell from a passing boat, was launched into air, then hit another swell upon touchdown. Pilot aborted takeoff and taxied back. Aircraft substantially damaged.
Incident Overview
A floatplane experienced substantial damage during a takeoff attempt on water after encountering large swells generated by a nearby passing boat. The incident occurred while the aircraft was accelerating for takeoff.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during the takeoff run and just before reaching takeoff airspeed, the floatplane struck a large swell. The impact launched the aircraft into the air. When the plane subsequently touched back down on the water, it was immediately hit by another large swell.
Pilot Response and Outcome
The pilot responded by reducing engine power and taxied the floatplane back to the dock. The collision with the water resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot stated that he could not avoid hitting the large swells, which were caused by the nearby passing boat.