What happened
On August 7, 2020, a Cessna U206F, registration LN-FXP, was conducting a training flight in the Oslo area. After refueling at Storøykilen, the pilot intended to practice landings in Bunnefjorden. Following two successful touch-and-go maneuvers, the pilot transitioned to practicing crosswind landings near Hellvik.
During the descent, the pilot configured the aircraft with 20 degrees of flaps. As the aircraft approached the water, the pilot adjusted the controls to keep the left wing low into the wind. Upon touchdown, the left float struck a large wave, which dug into the water and caused the aircraft to decelerable abruptly, resulting in the plane flipping upside down.
As the aircraft capsized, seawater rapidly flooded the cabin. The pilot struggled to release the seatbelt while inverted, a process that took approximately 30 seconds. Trapped in the dark, submerged cockpit, the pilot had to swim backward through the cabin three times to locate air pockets before eventually finding the door handle and evacuating. The pilot was rescued by nearby boaters and treated at a hospital for seawater ingestion and lung irritation.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight conditions, the pilot's experience, and the aircraft's stability during the impact. The investigation noted that while the pilot had significant recent flying experience, they had relatively limited time (35 hours) on this specific aircraft type. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's survival actions and the lack of certain safety equipment, such as a worn life vest or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the left float digging into a large wave during a crosswind landing, which triggered the capsize.
- The pilot may have chosen to conduct training in overly challenging conditions, as wind speeds reached approximately 12 knots.
- The pilot's survival was aided by their ability to remain calm and avoid panic while navigating the submerged cabin.
- The pilot was not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident, which could have hindered a rapid evacuation.
Safety action
- The NSIA emphasizes the importance of regular training for ditching and capsize scenarios, specifically practicing how to locate exits by touch in dark or disorienting conditions.
- It is recommended that pilots wear life vests during operations where rapid water ingress is a risk, as there is often insufficient time to don them after an impact.
- Pilots should consider landing at an angle relative to the waves to reduce the crosswind component and minimize the risk of a float digging into the water.