Casualties unknown

Floatplane Wing Damaged During Water Taxi in Gusty Winds (N4773U)

Iliamna, AK, US

On August 18, 2007, a Cessna U206G (registration N4773U) operated by Branch River Air was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the float-equipped airplane's right wing striking the bottom of the shallow lake, while taxiing for takeoff. A factor contributing to the accident was the gusty wind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot water-taxiing a floatplane for a positioning flight reported that gusty winds lifted the left wing, forcing the right wing to strike the lake bottom, resulting in damage to the wingtip and one-fifth of the right wing.

Accident Details

The accident occurred while a solo commercial certificated pilot was water-taxiing a float-equipped airplane for takeoff. The flight was conducted as a positioning flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the winds were 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots. The wind reportedly lifted the left wing, forcing the right wing into shallow water where it struck the bottom of the lake. The pilot stated that the airplane righted itself, and he was able to taxi to the shore.

Damage Assessment

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the damage to the airplane sustained during the accident was to the right wingtip and one-fifth of the right wing. No other damage was mentioned.

The pilot was not injured, and no other persons were involved.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070920X01423. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.