Casualties unknown

2003-08-14: Cessna 206 (N59352) — Clifford S. Kamm — Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan, AK, US

On August 14, 2003, a Cessna 206 (registration N59352) operated by Clifford S. Kamm was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in an in-flight collision with ocean waves. A factor associated with the accident was large waves/swells. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an on-demand air taxi departure from a remote saltwater bay, a float-equipped airplane struck two large waves, causing structural damage to longerons near the firewall.

Incident Overview

An airline transport pilot was conducting an on-demand air taxi departure from a remote saltwater bay in a float-equipped airplane. As the airplane accelerated and the floats came on step, they contacted a large wave. The impact bounced the airplane approximately 15 feet into the air. As the airplane descended, a second wave struck the floats.

Post-Event Findings

Following the incident, the operator's maintenance personnel discovered structural damage to longerons adjacent to the airplane's firewall. The damage necessitated replacement of the affected components. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Summary

The event involved a floatplane encountering two successive waves during takeoff, resulting in structural damage. No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or other circumstances were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031015X01732. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.