On February 1, 1995, a Cessna 185F (registration N1095F) was involved in an aviation accident near W.point Village, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE REMEDIAL REACTION AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT MAKE AND MODEL WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing at a seaplane base, an amphibious floatplane swerved right, causing the left float to submerge and the wing and stabilizer to contact water, resulting in damage.
Incident Overview
An amphibious float-equipped airplane was involved in an accident while landing at a seaplane base during a cross-country cargo flight. The event resulted in damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane slowed and came off the float step during the landing, it suddenly swerved to the right. In an attempt to correct the swerve, the pilot applied full left rudder and full power. This action caused the left float to submerge. Subsequently, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer made contact with the water.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 30 hours of flight time in the accident aircraft make and model over the previous four months.
Damage Assessment
After the airplane was beached, an inspection revealed damage to the stabilizer and wing. The specific extent and nature of the damage were not detailed in the initial inspection report.