No fatalities

Floatplane Strikes Wave During Beach Landing in Bristol Bay (N8092B)

Naknek, AK, US

On June 6, 1998, a Cessna 172 (registration N8092B) was involved in an aviation accident near Naknek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated with this accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot reported that during a beach landing in Bristol Bay, the aircraft veered right after touchdown. During the abort, it struck a wave and sank. All four occupants swam to shore.

Landing on Remote Beach

The pilot was landing to the south on a remote beach adjacent to Bristol Bay. According to the pilot, wind conditions at the time of the accident were about 090 degrees at 15 knots, with peak gusts to 20 knots.

Accident Sequence

The pilot stated that as the airplane touched down, it veered to the right. He attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and full left aileron. However, the airplane became airborne, veered to the right over the tidal surf, and collided with a large wave.

Post-Impact Events

The airplane sank, and the four occupants swam about 50 yards to shore. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 1998 Cessna 172 accident near Naknek, AK?

A pilot reported that during a beach landing in Bristol Bay, the aircraft veered right after touchdown. During the abort, it struck a wave and sank. All four occupants swam to shore.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jun 1998 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8092B, at Naknek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated with this accident was a crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10204. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.