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Airplane Enters Lake After Runway Overshoot on Turf Strip

Metaline Falls, WA, United States

On July 9, 2008, a Cessna 182J operated by Richard G. LeFrancis, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Metaline Falls, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged altitude and distance, which resulted in the airplane's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and a landing overrun. Contributing to the accident were trees and the short runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on a 1,765-foot turf runway touched down long, could not stop before the end, and the airplane went down an embankment into an adjacent lake, coming to rest partially submerged.

Landing and Overshoot

The pilot reported that upon arriving at his intended destination, he noted the winds were light and variable but appeared to favor landing toward the lake on runway 16. Trees were located near the approach end of the 1,765-foot-long turf runway. The pilot stated he landed "longer than usual." Despite application of brakes, the pilot stated that he was unable to stop before reaching the end of the runway.

Accident Sequence

The airplane went down an embankment and into the lake adjacent to the runway's departure end. The airplane came to rest partially submerged in the water. When the airplane was subsequently extracted from the water, the firewall was found bent.

Pilot Report

The pilot made no allegation of having experienced any mechanical malfunction with his airplane during the accident flight.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeWaterAirport facilities/design

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 20 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 12 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182S (Sundowners Inc.)
  • 19 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182Q (Charles Kinard)
  • 11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182 (Beta Flight LLC)
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 11 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 7 May 2026 — CESSNA 182T (Top Flight Aviation INC)
  • 4 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 3 May 2026 — CESSNA 182

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 2008 Cessna 182J accident near Metaline Falls, WA?

A pilot landing on a 1,765-foot turf runway touched down long, could not stop before the end, and the airplane went down an embankment into an adjacent lake, coming to rest partially submerged.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 2008 Cessna 182J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 2008 involved a Cessna 182J, operated by Richard G. LeFrancis, Jr., at Metaline Falls, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged altitude and distance, which resulted in the airplane's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and a landing overrun. Contributing to the accident were trees and the short runway.

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