Casualties unknown

Amphibian Aircraft Strikes Trees During Go-Around at Mountain Lake (N732JK)

Gold Bar, WA, US

On April 30, 1994, a Cessna TU206G (registration N732JK) operated by Johnson, Everett H. was involved in an aviation accident near Gold Bar, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES NOT FOLLOWED. 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

While on final approach to a mountain lake, the pilot observed a flickering right-side gear-down light. After aborting the landing, the aircraft collided with trees during a climbing turn. Investigation found the gear retracted and an electrical short in the float system.

Accident Sequence

During final approach to a mountain lake, the pilot of an amphibian airplane noticed that the right-side gear-down indicator light was flickering. The pilot elected to abort the landing and initiated a climbing left turn to leave the valley. During this turn, the airplane struck trees.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident investigation established that both main landing gear wheels were in the retracted position at the time of the collision. The investigation also identified an electrical short in the wiring associated with the right-side float system. This short caused the flickering of the gear-down indicator light observed by the pilot. The airplane was an amphibian type, featuring retractable landing gear for both land and water operations. The short circuit in the float system produced an erroneous indication on the cockpit instrument, leading the pilot to believe the gear might not be fully down.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 1994 Cessna TU206G accident near Gold Bar, WA?

While on final approach to a mountain lake, the pilot observed a flickering right-side gear-down light. After aborting the landing, the aircraft collided with trees during a climbing turn. Investigation found the gear retracted and an electrical short in the float system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 1994 involved a Cessna TU206G, registration N732JK, operated by Johnson, Everett H., at Gold Bar, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES NOT FOLLOWED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01172. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.