On February 23, 1997, a Cessna 185F (registration N4471R) was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot allowed an excessive rate of descent to develope during an approach to land, and delayed in initiating a go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing approach over ocean swells, a floatplane experienced an excessive descent rate, resulting in firm water contact. Inspection three months later revealed multiple broken door hinges and fuselage distortion, leading to an unairworthy determination.
Incident Details
A float-equipped airplane was conducting a landing near an ocean bay. Small ocean swells were present in the area of intended landing. The pilot reported that during the landing approach, the descent rate was excessive. She applied full power to execute a go-around, but the airplane continued to descend and the floats made firm contact with the water. Following the contact, the airplane lifted off the water, and the pilot noticed that the upper right door hinge was broken.
Post-Flight Inspection
The airplane was not flown again and was not inspected until three months later. An inspection facility examined the aircraft and found wrinkling and distortion of the lower fuselage, aft of the firewall and under the doors. All of the airplane's door hinges were broken. Additional wrinkling was observed above the baggage door, beneath the aft window. Based on these findings, the inspection facility considered the airplane unairworthy.