Accident Overview
On July 3, 2016, at about 1753 Alaska daylight time, an amphibious float-equipped Cessna 206, registration N6251K, sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees and the tidal ocean waters of Halibut Cove, Alaska. The accident site was located about 11 miles southeast of Homer, Alaska. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The aircraft was registered to Umailik LLC of Anchorage, Alaska, and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight conducted under visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane had departed Homer Airport (HOM) at about 1742, en route to Halibut Cove.
Witness Accounts
A witness observed the floatplane as it approached the inland waters of Halibut Cove. According to the witness, just after the floats contacted the water surface, the airplane immediately became airborne again and began to climb. When it reached about 40 feet above the water, it initiated a steep left turn and continued climbing until it struck a stand of tall trees. Following the tree impact, the airplane descended into the cove's waters, where bystanders came to the pilot's aid.
Another witness aboard a tour vessel in Halibut Cove reported that as the airplane flew toward the boat, it made a slight turn toward the vessel before passing off the right side and impacting trees. The airplane then descended into the water approximately 100 feet from the tour boat.
Sequence of Events
Photographs captured by witnesses on the tour vessel and provided to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) depicted the accident sequence. The initial images showed the airplane about 20 feet above glassy water in a wings-level, flaps-extended configuration. Subsequent photos showed the airplane in a climbing left turn with slight water spray trailing from the keel of the left float, followed by a wings-level, slightly nose-high climb with flaps still extended. The final photograph displayed the airplane striking a stand of tall spruce trees, which severed the floats and damaged the left wing's leading edge. At the moment of tree impact, the wing flaps appeared retracted.
Pilot's Report
In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot reported that during the intended landing, she inadvertently touched down faster than anticipated and before her expected touchdown point, causing the airplane to bounce. Rather than attempting to salvage the landing, she initiated a go-around. However, due to a high nose-up attitude during the climb-out, she was unable to see forward and subsequently struck a tree. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures that would have precluded normal operation. According to an NTSB form submitted by the pilot, her last biennial flight review had been completed on September 15, 2013, in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting facility was Homer Airport, located about 11 miles northwest of the accident site. At 1753, a METAR from HOM reported wind from 260° at 9 knots with gusts to 14 knots; sky condition, broken clouds at 2,600 feet; visibility, 10 statute miles; temperature 61°F, dewpoint 48°F; and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury.