Casualties unknown

Floatplane Strikes River Bank During Takeoff (N5293D)

Igiugig, AK, US

On September 3, 1995, a Cessna 180 (registration N5293D) operated by Kvichak Lodge was involved in an aviation accident near Igiugig, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION TO ASSURE THE AIRPLANE WOULD MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM THE RIVER BANK DURING TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During takeoff from a river mouth, a float-equipped airplane struck a 7-foot river bank, slid over, and nosed over on an ocean beach, damaging the floats, wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer.

Accident Details

A float-equipped airplane departed from the mouth of a river with the pilot and three passengers on board. The flight was intended to return the passengers to a fishing lodge. During the takeoff, the airplane became airborne but struck the edge of a 7-foot-high river bank.

After striking the bank, the airplane slid over it and continued down toward an ocean beach, where it nosed over. The accident occurred during daylight hours, though specific time and weather conditions were not reported.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to its floats, wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The extent of damage to other components was not specified. No information was provided regarding injuries to the pilot or passengers.

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were disclosed. The investigation did not attribute a probable cause to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 1995 Cessna 180 accident near Igiugig, AK?

During takeoff from a river mouth, a float-equipped airplane struck a 7-foot river bank, slid over, and nosed over on an ocean beach, damaging the floats, wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 1995 involved a Cessna 180, registration N5293D, operated by Kvichak Lodge, at Igiugig, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION TO ASSURE THE AIRPLANE WOULD MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM THE RIVER BANK DURING TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04400. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.