Float-equipped aircraft impacts water following downdraft

Casualties unknown • Talkeetna, AK, US

A commercial pilot reported that his float-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft and impacted the surface of a lake during cruise flight.

What happened

A commercial pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane on a flight departing from a lake. The pilot's intended route involved flying over a cabin located at the opposite end of the lake to notify the occupants of his departure. While cruising across the lake, the aircraft encountered a downdraft, which resulted in an impact with the water.

The impact caused the airplane to roll over and subsequently sink to the bottom of the lake. The pilot reported being knocked unconscious during the event and had no memory of specific details regarding the accident. A passenger on board was able to extricate the pilot from the aircraft and transport him to the shore. The aircraft sustained airframe structural damage during the impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered a downdraft while in cruise flight, leading to an impact with the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-11 Cessna 180 accident near Talkeetna, AK?

A commercial pilot reported that his float-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft and impacted the surface of a lake during cruise flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-11 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3267D, at Talkeetna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered a downdraft while in cruise flight, leading to an impact with the water.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040716X00990. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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