Amphibious Float Plane Runway Excursion During Landing

Casualties unknown • Haines, AK, US

A private pilot experienced a runway excursion while landing an amphibious float plane during heavy crosswind conditions.

What happened

A private pilot was performing a landing on runway 08 in an amphibious float plane. At the time of the accident, the runway surface was wet, and winds were reported at 070 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts reaching 29 knots. The pilot was aware that significant 90-degree left crosswinds typically occur near the center of the runway under these weather conditions.

During the final approach, the pilot utilized a large amount of left aileron to compensate for the wind. To prepare for anticipated gusts, the pilot intentionally positioned the aircraft on the left side of the 100-foot wide runway. While the initial landing roll proceeded normally, the aircraft began to drift toward the right during the rollout. As the airplane's speed decreased, a strong left gust lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to depart the right side of the runway.

Prior to the accident, an air taxi pilot departing the same airport approximately 40 minutes earlier had informed the accident pilot in flight that the winds were 20 to 25 knots with gusts to at least 30 knots and characterized the crosswind as a direct left wind. The pilot involved in the accident had accumulated approximately 40 total hours of amphibious experience, all of which were completed in this specific aircraft.

Probable cause

A strong left gust caused the left wing to lift as the aircraft slowed during rollout, resulting in a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-04-23 Cessna 185E accident near Haines, AK?

A private pilot experienced a runway excursion while landing an amphibious float plane during heavy crosswind conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-04-23 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N3539F, at Haines, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A strong left gust caused the left wing to lift as the aircraft slowed during rollout, resulting in a runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00407. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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