Accident Details
On October 4, 2024, at about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, registration N4631U, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Big Lake, Alaska. The pilot was fatally injured, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Passenger Account
According to the passenger, the airplane was departing from East Butterfly Lake for a return flight to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base (LHD) in Anchorage, Alaska. The passenger reported that just before the northerly takeoff run began, strong, gusty, and variable wind conditions prevailed.
During takeoff from the lake, as the airplane passed low over an area of tree-covered terrain, a sudden gust of wind pushed the airplane toward the trees. The airplane’s right wing subsequently collided with a stand of tall trees, and the airplane came to rest inverted in the lake, partially submerged.
Post-Accident Actions
The accident site was documented by Alaska State Troopers. A detailed wreckage examination is pending recovery of the airplane from the waters of East Butterfly Lake.