What happened
On August 24, 2024, at approximately 10:10 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A185F, registration N61323, was involved in an accident near Kent, Washington. The aircraft was operating as a private flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Witnesses observed the amphibious float-equipped airplane approaching Meridian Lake from the northwest on a southeasterly heading. While the approach appeared normal, observers noted that the landing gear was in the extended position. As the aircraft was about to touch the water, it abruptly nosed over and came to rest inverted, partially submerged in the lake. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
Preliminary ADS-B data indicated the aircraft departed from Norman-Grier Field (S36) in Kent at approximately 10:05. The flight path showed the airplane traveling northwest toward the lake, with the final recorded data point occurring over the northwestern portion of the lake roughly five minutes after takeoff.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage confirmed that the landing gear was in the extended position at the time of the accident. The wreckage was moved to a secure facility for further analysis.