Floatplane Nose-Over During Takeoff from Remote Lake

Casualties unknown • Fort Yukon, AK, US

A pilot and passenger were involved in a nose-over accident while attempting to depart a remote lake following a hunting trip.

What happened

A pilot and a passenger were departing a remote lake in a float equipped airplane as the return leg of a cross-country personal flight, following the conclusion of a hunting trip. The water conditions at the time were described as smooth and glassy.

During the takeoff sequence, the pilot initially utilized 10 degrees of flaps. When the aircraft failed to break free from the water surface, the pilot lowered the flaps to 20 degrees. Because the airplane failed to accelerate properly, the pilot aborted the takeoff attempt. However, the forward momentum of the aircraft caused it to strike the lake shoreline. The front portion of the floats made contact with the terrain, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

There were no injuries reported for the pilot or the passenger.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff while the aircraft had sufficient forward momentum caused it to strike the shoreline and nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-02 Cessna 180B accident near Fort Yukon, AK?

A pilot and passenger were involved in a nose-over accident while attempting to depart a remote lake following a hunting trip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-02 involved a Cessna 180B, registration N5143E, at Fort Yukon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff while the aircraft had sufficient forward momentum caused it to strike the shoreline and nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02161. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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