What happened
On July 29, 2022, a Cessna 180 seaplane, registration LN-VYJ, operated by Nordhordland flyklubb, crashed in the waters near Ølve in Kvinnherad, Norway. The aircraft was performing a private flight with the pilot and three passengers. After an initial successful flight, the aircraft attempted a second takeoff from the water.
During this second departure, the aircraft struggled to maintain speed and stability. The aircraft lifted off with a high pitch angle but failed to gain sufficient altitude, dropping only about one to two meters before striking the water. The impact caused the aircraft to roll and capsize. The impact was severe enough to break the rear fuselage and the right wing. The aircraft eventually sank nose-first, leaving only the bottom of the floats visible before disappearing beneath the surface.
Despite the violent impact, all four occupants escaped the sinking aircraft through a side window. The passengers successfully assisted the pilot, who had become disoriented and struggled to exit the cabin after swallowing water. All four individuals sustained only minor injuries.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the aircraft, flight logs, and witness video footage. The investigation focused on the aircraft's weight, trim settings, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Technical inspections of LN-VYJ revealed no mechanical failures in the engine, propeller, or flight controls. However, the investigation noted that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to the accident:
- Overweight takeoff: The aircraft was approximately 65–70 kg over its maximum permitted takeoff mass. This increased water resistance and required a longer takeoff run.
- Incorrect trim setting: The aircraft was found to be set to a maximum nose-down trim position, which likely made it difficult for the pilot to maintain a stable pitch.
- Wind conditions: A shift in wind direction resulted in a tailwind component of up to 10–12 knots, further extending the required takeoff distance.
- Wave action: Swells and waves contributed to instability and likely caused the aircraft to lift off the water before reaching a safe flying speed.
The combination of excessive weight, incorrect trim, and tailwind caused the aircraft to depart the water prematurely, leading to a stall and subsequent crash.
Safety action
The NSIA noted that while the passengers evacuated successfully, they had not received a specific briefing on emergency exit procedures, and the door and window handles lacked any instructional markings. The authority recommends that all operators of enclosed-cabin aircraft, particularly seaplanes, ensure that all exits are clearly marked with instructions on how to operate them to assist passengers during emergencies.