On August 6, 1994, a Cessna 206 (registration N5120X) was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff on a short lake segment that resulted in the aircraft settling back into the water and striking the shoreline. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A floatplane attempting a short takeoff from a lake settled back onto the water, striking the shoreline and causing the floats to detach before nosing over.
What happened
The pilot was conducting fish guiding operations under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 when the incident occurred. The pilot attempted to initiate takeoff across the short section of a lake, utilizing an 8 knot headwind to assist with lift generation. Although the airplane initially became airborne, it failed to gain sufficient altitude or distance and settled back onto the water surface beyond the point of no return.
As the aircraft drifted toward the shore, the floats struck the shoreline hard enough to cause structural separation from the airframe. The force of the impact caused the floats to detach completely. Following this separation, the airplane nosed over onto the bank.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff on a short lake segment that resulted in the aircraft settling back into the water and striking the shoreline.
What happened in the 6 Aug 1994 Cessna 206 accident near King Salmon, AK?
A floatplane attempting a short takeoff from a lake settled back onto the water, striking the shoreline and causing the floats to detach before nosing over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 206, registration N5120X, at King Salmon, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff on a short lake segment that resulted in the aircraft settling back into the water and striking the shoreline.
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