What happened
While engaged in fish spotting operations in a rural area of Alaska, a Cessna 185, registration N59AK, and a Bellanca, registration N5025K, were involved in a mid-air collision. The crew of the N59AK reported they were cruising in straight and level flight at 2,000 feet MSL over water, preparing to exit a bay.
The pilot and observer of the Cessna 185 stated they did not observe the other aircraft until immediately before the impact. They described the N5025K as approaching from their 1 o'clock position, slightly to the right and slightly below them. The pilot of the N59AK noted that while he did not recall making a conscious maneuver to avoid the collision, he likely pulled back on the control wheel by instinct.
Following the impact, the Bellanca fell nearly straight into the sea. Damage to the Cessna 185 included a slash to the right float caused by the propeller of the N5025K. Investigators found a portion of the right wing fuel tank from the N5025K embedded in the right float of the N59AK. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were clear and sunny, though the pilot reported reflected sun glare from the water and nearby snow-covered mountains.