What happened
On a day characterized by marginal visual flight conditions, an amphibian aircraft was operating at a cruise altitude of roughly 200 feet. While flying through the Lynn Canal area near Eldred Rock, approximately 65 miles north-northwest of Juneau, Alaska, the aircraft descended into the water at about 15:25 local time. The impact occurred while the plane was in its cruising configuration.
The crash resulted in significant consequences for those on board. Of the eight passengers and the pilot, seven individuals sustained serious injuries. Tragically, one passenger passed away four days following the accident. The aircraft suffered extensive damage upon hitting the water and subsequently sank; the wreckage has not been recovered.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft at a safe altitude. A significant contributing factor to this loss of control was the presence of a glassy water surface, which led the pilot to misjudge the actual height of the plane above the water level.