Casualties unknown

1999-06-09: Cessna 180J (N7560K) — Palmer, AK

Palmer, AK, US

On June 9, 1999, a Cessna 180J (registration N7560K) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the water landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane sustained damage to its right wing, aileron, and propeller after swerving left and nosing down during a left crosswind landing. Postaccident inspection revealed a 3/4-inch discrepancy in float flying wire length and a crease on the right float.

Accident Details

During a landing with a left crosswind, a floatplane touched down on water. After touchdown, the aircraft swerved to the left and then nosed down, resulting in damage to the right wing, right aileron, and propeller.

Postaccident Inspection

Following the accident, an inspection of the float system was conducted. The float struts were found to be straight. However, the length of the float flying wires varied by 3/4 inch. The pilot reported no memory of striking any object with the floats, but a one-foot-long crease was observed on the bottom of the right float near the forward compartment. No other mechanical anomalies were identified.

Additional Information

The floatplane's floats had been installed 14 hours prior to the accident. The exact sequence of events leading to the swerve and nose-down attitude was not determined from the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.