No fatalities

Glassy Water Conditions Lead to Aborted Takeoff and Collision with Moored Aircraft (N9306C)

Anchorage, AK, US

On October 8, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N9306C) operated by Kent D. Peterson was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff run. A factor associated with the accident was glassy water conditions. 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 commercial pilot aborted a takeoff due to slow acceleration from glassy water; the airplane stayed on step longer than expected, striking the lakeshore and a moored Cessna 185.

Incident Details

A certificated commercial pilot reported that during a southeasterly takeoff run using the southeast water lane, the airplane's acceleration was slower than normal due to glassy water conditions. As the airplane neared the end of the water lane, just before becoming airborne, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. After closing the throttle, the airplane remained on the step longer than anticipated, subsequently striking the lakeshore and a moored, unoccupied Cessna 185. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The pilot held a commercial certificate. No other details about the aircraft (make, model, registration) were provided in the source. The accident involved a moored Cessna 185 that was unoccupied at the time.

Conditions

The water surface was described as glassy, which contributed to the reduced acceleration during the takeoff run. No other weather or time-of-day information was specified.

Outcome

The airplane struck the lakeshore and the moored Cessna 185. The source does not mention any injuries or fatalities. Damage details were not provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 2000 Cessna 180 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A commercial pilot aborted a takeoff due to slow acceleration from glassy water; the airplane stayed on step longer than expected, striking the lakeshore and a moored Cessna 185.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Oct 2000 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 2000 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9306C, operated by Kent D. Peterson, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff run. A factor associated with the accident was glassy water conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22096. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.