On August 6, 2003, a Cessna 185 (registration N185TB) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the shoreline during the initial climb, which resulted in the right float striking the shore and the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float-equipped aircraft sustained substantial damage after its right float hit the shoreline during takeoff from a remote lake, causing the plane to nose over on the bank.
What happened
A private pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane departing from a remote lake. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the aircraft's right float made contact with the shoreline of the lake. This impact caused the airplane to nosed over onto the bank.
The accident resulted in substantial damage to several major components of the airframe. Specifically, the wings, fuselage, and empennage were damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the event.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of control during the initial climb. The substantial damage to the airframe was a direct result of the float striking the shore and the subsequent nosedown attitude on the bank.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the shoreline during the initial climb, which resulted in the right float striking the shore and the airplane nosing over.