No fatalities

Float-Equipped Airplane Noses Over During Touch-and-Go Landing on Glassy Water

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On May 31, 2013, a CESSNA U206A operated by Marina Air Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in a nose-low impact with glassy water and a subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings on a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane experienced a nose-over after the right float struck the water during a glassy-water landing, resulting in substantial damage.

Event Details

The pilot of a float-equipped airplane traveled to a remote lake to conduct touch-and-go landing practice on glassy water conditions. During the first landing attempt, the airplane touched down in a slight nose-low attitude. Immediately afterward, the right float struck the water surface, leading to the airplane nosing over.

Aircraft Damage

The nose-over event caused substantial damage to the wings and the right lift strut. The specific extent of the damage was not further detailed in the pilot's report, but it was noted as significant enough to be classified as substantial.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The pilot did not attribute the event to any specific cause or contributing factor beyond the described sequence of events.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2013 CESSNA U206A accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings on a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane experienced a nose-over after the right float struck the water during a glassy-water landing, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 2013 CESSNA U206A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2013 involved a CESSNA U206A, operated by Marina Air Inc, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in a nose-low impact with glassy water and a subsequent nose-over.