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Casualties unknown

Floatplane Hits Swells from Passing Boat During Takeoff, Substantially Damaged (N84627)

Ketchikan, AK, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Sept 1993 Cessna 185 accident near Ketchikan, AK?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 185, registration N84627, operated by Ketchikan Air Service, Inc., at Ketchikan, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION. THE ROUGH WATER IN THE TAKEOFF AREA WAS A FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13296. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.