On August 12, 1998, a Cessna 185F (registration N4810) was involved in an aviation accident near Venice, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during high speed step-taxi. A factor was the swell left by the boat. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a high-speed step-taxi after landing, an amphibian airplane encountered a swell left by a departing boat. The pilot's actions led to a loss of control, resulting in the airplane nosing over and sinking.
Incident Overview
The pilot of an amphibian airplane lost control during a high-speed step-taxi after landing. The sequence of events began when the pilot noticed a swell created by a boat that had departed the landing area.
Details of the Maneuver
In response to the swell, the pilot chose to approach it at a 45-degree angle. As the airplane crossed the swell, the pilot felt the right float 'dig in.' To prevent the floats from sinking further, the pilot pulled the yoke fully aft and applied full power.
Result
These actions caused the airplane to nose over inverted and begin to sink.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Aug 1998 Cessna 185F accident near Venice, LA?
During a high-speed step-taxi after landing, an amphibian airplane encountered a swell left by a departing boat. The pilot's actions led to a loss of control, resulting in the airplane nosing over and sinking.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Aug 1998 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N4810, at Venice, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during high speed step-taxi. A factor was the swell left by the boat.
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