What happened
On August 28, 2009, a Cessna TU206G, registration N682RC, was involved in an accident in Shilshole Bay near Ballard, Washington. The flight originated from Bremerton National Airport at approximately 0630 Pacific daylight time. About 15 minutes after takeoff, the pilot experienced a total loss of electrical power. This failure caused the fuel gauges to indicate empty, prompting the pilot to divert from the intended destination of Payne Field in Everett to a marina in Shilshole Bay to investigate the electrical issue and verify fuel levels.
Prior to the landing, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear using the emergency hand pump. While the pilot could visually confirm that both front gears were raised into the pontoons, the left main aft gear remained extended. Because the electrical failure had rendered the gear position indicator inoperative, the pilot could not verify the status of the main gear.
Upon touchdown in the water, the extended left main gear lifted the left pontoon, causing the right wing tip to strike the water. The aircraft then pitched forward and nosed over, coming to rest upside down in the salt water. The pilot sustained one minor injury, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.
The investigation
FAA representatives examined the aircraft after it was recovered from the water. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the initial electrical failure because the aircraft's immersion in salt water prevented a determination regarding the preimpact functionality of the electrical system.