Casualties unknown

Floatplane Collides with Lakeshore During Water Taxiing Demonstration (N5146G)

Big Lake, AK, US

On July 23, 2006, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N5146G) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while step taxiing a float-equipped airplane, which resulted in a collision with an embankment. A factor contributing to the accident was an unfavorable wind. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane conducting a proficiency flight collided with lake shore and trees during a water taxiing demonstration. The first pilot reported a possible wind shear.

Accident Overview

A float-equipped airplane sustained damage to its left wing and fuselage after colliding with the lake shore and trees. The accident occurred during a water taxiing demonstration on a lake. Both pilots on board were certificated flight instructors, and the flight was conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 as a local area proficiency/instructional flight.

Flight Details

After landing on the lake, the second pilot practiced making step turns. The first pilot, seated in the right seat, then took the flight controls to demonstrate continuous water taxiing and turning while on-step. According to the first pilot, he taxied around the perimeter of the lake and began a right turn, still on-step, but the airplane did not respond. Application of right rudder did not prevent the airplane from colliding with the lake shore and trees.

Pilot Statement

The first pilot indicated that the wind was about 6 knots from the north-northeast at the time. He stated that he thought the airplane encountered a wind shear at the narrowest portion of the lake where the accident occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060809X01135. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.