Accident Overview
On July 5, 2020, at about 1115 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180C airplane (registration N9185T) equipped with floats sustained substantial damage during a landing accident at Lake Hood Airport (PALH) near Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, they were returning from a remote lake. The departure was normal, with winds of about 10 to 12 mph on the lake, creating a light chop. Upon touchdown at Lake Hood, the left float dug into the water, causing the airplane to veer abruptly and nose over. The pilot and passenger quickly exited the sinking wreckage.
Video Evidence
A video recording of the accident showed the airplane touching down on approximately the step of the floats before abruptly veering left. The right wing contacted the water, then the airplane veered right, then left again, before nosing over.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the left float revealed a large hole in its bottom just forward of the step. Corrosion was present around the hole, and no impact signatures were observed on the bottom of the float. The substantial damage included structural compromise to the float and the airframe.
Location and Aircraft Details
Lake Hood Airport serves as a base for many float-equipped aircraft. The Cessna 180C is a high-wing, single-engine airplane commonly used in bush operations.