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Floatplane Nose-Over During Landing on Glassy Lake (N1966U)

Port Alsworth, AK, US

On October 5, 2001, a Cessna 185 (registration N1966U) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot touched down too fast. 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 landing a floatplane on a remote lake touched down too fast, causing the aircraft to nose over. The pilot escaped, but the airplane sank and was not recovered.

Accident Details

A 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 reported that he touched down too fast, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.

Pilot Actions

The pilot, who was wearing an inflatable jacket, exited the inverted airplane and climbed onto the floats. The airplane sank within approximately two minutes. The pilot then swam for about 40 minutes to reach the shore.

Aircraft Status

According to the pilot, the airplane is resting in about 250 feet of water and has not been recovered.

Probable Cause

The pilot's statement indicates that the accident was caused by touching down too fast, leading to the nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Oct 2001 Cessna 185 accident near Port Alsworth, AK?

A commercial pilot landing a floatplane on a remote lake touched down too fast, causing the aircraft to nose over. The pilot escaped, but the airplane sank and was not recovered.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Oct 2001 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Oct 2001 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1966U, at Port Alsworth, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot touched down too fast.

More accident analyses

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.