On June 25, 2004, a Christen Industries HUSKY A-1 (registration N9591C) was involved in an aviation accident near Bethel, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during the ensuing aborted landing. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's speed and distance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot aborted a landing on a lake after touching down longer than intended. The float-equipped airplane struck an embankment, skidded into a pond, and sustained damage to the left wing and lift strut.
Incident Details
A private pilot reported that during a landing on a lake, the float-equipped airplane touched down "somewhat longer than intended." Realizing that the airplane could not stop in the remaining distance, the pilot applied full power and aborted the landing. However, the airplane was unable to outclimb the approaching terrain. As the airplane passed over the shoreline, the left float struck an embankment.
Post-Impact Sequence
After striking the embankment, the airplane skidded along the ground and into a pond. It came to rest in an upright position. The left wing and left lift strut were damaged during the accident sequence.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.