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Hard Landing During Floatplane Landing on Glassy Water

Skwentna, AK, United States

On July 6, 2009, a CESSNA A185F operated by Frank R. Bell was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to recognize his proximity to the glassy water landing surface while flying in smoke haze, and his failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach. 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 private pilot reported a hard landing in a float-equipped airplane due to loss of depth perception over glassy water with smoke haze, resulting in substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Details

A private pilot was conducting a personal flight in a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. During the landing, the aircraft struck the water with excessive force, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. A postflight examination confirmed the damage.

Pilot Statement

In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot described the landing conditions, stating that the combination of glassy water and smoke haze impaired depth perception. The pilot noted, "With the glassy water and the smoke haze I lost my depth perception and hit the water hard." The pilot also indicated that the accident could have been prevented by using the shoreline to determine altitude during the landing. No preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane were reported.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 2009 CESSNA A185F accident near Skwentna, AK?

A private pilot reported a hard landing in a float-equipped airplane due to loss of depth perception over glassy water with smoke haze, resulting in substantial fuselage damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2009 CESSNA A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 2009 involved a CESSNA A185F, operated by Frank R. Bell, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to recognize his proximity to the glassy water landing surface while flying in smoke haze, and his failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach.

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