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Floatplane Strikes Water During Turnaround, Sinks After Right Float Bracket Failure (N736VM)

Grand Rapids, MN, US

On July 9, 2006, a Cessna R172K (registration N736VM) operated by Russell S. Sampson was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Rapids, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty tailwind that prevailed. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane collided with water and sank while attempting to return to a lake after takeoff. The pilot reported difficulty gaining altitude, then pulled power too soon, causing the right float to contact water first. The float brackets broke, resulting in wing damage.

Event Summary

A float-equipped airplane collided with the water and sank while returning to land on a lake that had just been used for takeoff. The pilot reported trouble gaining altitude during the initial takeoff, citing high surrounding terrain and trees. He decided to turn around and land back on the lake.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, when the airplane was about 20 feet above the water, he pulled off the power too soon. The wind then pushed the right wing down, and the right float contacted the water first. The airplane bounced and touched down again in a yaw attitude. The pilot reported that the aluminum float attachment brackets on the right float broke, and the airplane fell to the right, resulting in wing damage.

Weather Conditions

The pilot reported local winds from 210 degrees at 23 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

Damage

The airplane sustained wing damage after the right float brackets broke and the aircraft fell to the right. The airplane subsequently sank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 2006 Cessna R172K accident near Grand Rapids, MN?

A float-equipped airplane collided with water and sank while attempting to return to a lake after takeoff. The pilot reported difficulty gaining altitude, then pulled power too soon, causing the right float to contact water first. The float brackets broke, resulting in wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 2006 Cessna R172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 2006 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N736VM, operated by Russell S. Sampson, at Grand Rapids, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty tailwind that prevailed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060818X01210. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.