On July 11, 2004, a Cessna 180 (registration N3267D) was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during cruise flight, which resulted in the airplane impacting the lake. A factor associated with the accident was a downdraft, and low altitude flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot reported that while cruising across a lake after takeoff, the float-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft, impacted the water, rolled over, and sank. The pilot was knocked unconscious and extricated by the passenger.
Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was operating a float-equipped airplane from a lake. After taking off, the pilot intended to fly over a cabin at the opposite end of the lake to notify the occupants of his departure.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, while cruising across the lake, the airplane encountered a downdraft and subsequently impacted the water. The pilot stated he was knocked unconscious during the impact and does not recall any further details of the accident.
Post-Impact Events
The passenger extricated the pilot from the airplane and brought him to the shore. The pilot reported that the airplane rolled over during the accident and sank to the bottom of the lake.
Damage
The pilot noted that the airplane sustained airframe structural damage as a result of the accident.
What happened in the 11 Jul 2004 Cessna 180 accident near Talkeetna, AK?
A commercial pilot reported that while cruising across a lake after takeoff, the float-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft, impacted the water, rolled over, and sank. The pilot was knocked unconscious and extricated by the passenger.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 2004 Cessna 180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3267D, at Talkeetna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during cruise flight, which resulted in the airplane impacting the lake. A factor associated with the accident was a downdraft, and low altitude flight.
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