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Casualties unknown

Floatplane Nose-Over After Hard Touchdown (N8717Z)

Norway, ME, US

On July 25, 1997, a Cessna 185 (registration N8717Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Norway, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle. 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

A floatplane nosed over and came to rest inverted after a hard touchdown on a lake, when the pilot's avoidance maneuver caused a float to submerge and a wing to impact the water.

Accident Details

A floatplane was conducting operations on a lake when the pilot found himself fast and high on approach to a small area on the lake. He configured the airplane with 40 degrees of flaps. The airplane touched down flat and hard and was headed toward an obstruction in the water.

Sequence of Events

The pilot's focus was on the obstruction, and he did not apply enough back pressure to the yoke. When he added right rudder to avoid the obstruction, the airplane's left float submerged and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Investigation

The investigation determined the sequence of events as described. No further details are available from the source.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1997 Cessna 185 accident near Norway, ME?

A floatplane nosed over and came to rest inverted after a hard touchdown on a lake, when the pilot's avoidance maneuver caused a float to submerge and a wing to impact the water.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 185, registration N8717Z, at Norway, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08495. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.