2001-10-05: Cessna 185 — Port Alsworth, AK

Casualties unknown • Port Alsworth, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive descent rate and subsequent hard landing during the landing flare/touchdown. A factor in the accident was glassy water conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The commercial certificated pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane on the surface of a remote lake. The water surface was smooth and glassy. The pilot said he touched down too fast, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot, who was wearing an inflatable jacket, exited the inverted airplane and got onto the floats. The airplane sank in about two minutes. The pilot then swam for about 40 minutes to the shore. The pilot said the airplane is resting in about 250 feet of water, and has not been recovered.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-10-05 Cessna 185 accident near Port Alsworth, AK?

The commercial certificated pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane on the surface of a remote lake. The water surface was smooth and glassy. The pilot said he touched down too fast, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot, who was wearing an inflatable jacket, exited the inverted airplane and got onto the floats.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-10-05 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1966U, at Port Alsworth, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive descent rate and subsequent hard landing during the landing flare/touchdown. A factor in 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/20011217X02402. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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