Casualties unknown

2003-12-18: Cessna U206G (N603DK) — Thonotosassa, FL

Thonotosassa, FL, US

On December 18, 2003, a Cessna U206G (registration N603DK) was involved in an aviation accident near Thonotosassa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to landing on the water, resulting in a loss of control, and the airplane nosing over. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed a floatplane landing on a lake with its landing gear extended; upon water contact the aircraft nosedived and flipped inverted. Post-accident inspection found no preexisting anomalies.

Incident Overview

A witness reported observing an airplane as it approached to land on a lake, a maneuver the witness had seen the aircraft perform on several prior occasions. On this particular landing, the witness noted that the airplane's landing gear was in the down position, extending below the floats. During the landing flare, as the floats contacted the water, the airplane immediately nosedived and flipped straight over, coming to rest inverted in the lake.

Examination Findings

Following the accident, a thorough examination of the airplane and its systems was conducted. No evidence of any preaccident anomalies was found with the airframe, flight controls, or engine. The inspection did not reveal any mechanical or structural issues that could have contributed to the sequence of events.

Investigation Status

The investigation into the accident is based solely on witness testimony and physical examination of the aircraft. No determination of cause has been made beyond the reported observations and the lack of identified preexisting defects.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031230X02095. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.