History of Flight
On July 22, 2017, at 1735 central daylight time, a Cessna 180, N3119D, operating as a commercial air tour flight under 14 CFR Part 91, departed from Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. The float-equipped airplane did not attain or maintain a positive climb rate during the initial climb. It descended, impacted the water, nosed over, and sank, sustaining substantial damage. The commercial pilot was uninjured, and two passengers received minor injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported setting the wing flaps to 20 degrees for takeoff. The outside air temperature was 100°F with winds about 10-15 knots favoring a southeast departure. The lake was choppy from boat traffic. The pilot noted it took longer than usual to get on the step due to the temperature and rough water. The airplane hit waves before reaching takeoff speed, lifted off momentarily, settled back, and bounced. After leaving the water, the pilot did not feel usual acceleration. The airplane climbed to about 25-35 feet above water, then began to descend. The pilot pitched nose down but airspeed did not increase. He turned left to avoid a pontoon boat, and the airplane struck the water with the left pontoon, which collapsed and contacted the propeller. The pilot shut down the engine, and the airplane listed left.
The pilot instructed passengers to exit via the right door. A Sheriff's boat arrived, and all three occupants were rescued. The front seat passenger stated the pilot attempted three takeoffs; the third lifted off to about 75-100 feet before descending rapidly. She said the pilot said “Oh that's not good” before impact.
Aircraft Information
The accident airplane was a 1955 Cessna 180 equipped with a Continental O-470-J1 engine. It was operated by Up Above Austin LLC under a Letter of Authorization for commercial air tours. At the time of certification, shoulder harnesses were not required; front seats had harness installations, rear seats did not. The pilot seat had a secondary stop installation with the inertia reel installed into the airplane frame rather than structure, contrary to Cessna Service Bulletin SEB07-5.
The airplane records lacked a weight and balance form. A maintenance entry on April 5, 2017, listed empty weight as 2,221 lbs and center of gravity at 38.13 inches. Post-accident, the pilot provided weight and balance calculations using a phone app, showing takeoff weight of 2,849 lbs against a gross weight of 2,850 lbs, with about 18 gallons of fuel. The front seat passenger stated the pilot never asked for their weights; she weighed 150 lbs and her husband 200-205 lbs.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Post-accident examination confirmed flight control continuity. The float gear handle was in the water position; water rudders up. Tachometer indicated 21,940 hours. The pilot's seat was latched and secure. Both propeller blades had chordwise gouging and deformations consistent with rotational impact. Engine continuity was confirmed, and thumb compression was present. Magnetos had internal corrosion from water immersion; after cleaning, they produced spark. The carburetor inlet line contained water.
The NTSB downloaded data from J.P. Instruments EDM-700 and FS-450 displays. The FS-450 indicated 0.2 gallons of fuel remaining and 54.8 gallons used. The EDM-700 showed cylinder head temperatures rising from about 200°F to 380-450°F with exhaust gas temperatures of 1,300-1,500°F during the flight.
Additional Information
Passengers provided a video of the accident flight, which was summarized by the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division.