On June 20, 1985, a Grumman G-44 Widgeon (registration N176MS) operated by Bergt Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: hard landing Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown. Findings: 1. (f) weather condition - rain 2. (f) terrain condition - water,glassy 3. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command 4. (c) flare - improper - pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An amphibious aircraft crashed while landing on glassy water at Nerka Lake inlet, coming to rest inverted. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Accident Details
An amphibious aircraft experienced a hard landing while the pilot was attempting to land on glassy water at the inlet of Nerka Lake. The accident occurred during moderate rain. Following the hard landing, the aircraft nosed over, sank, and came to rest inverted in clear water on the bottom of Wood River. The landing gear was retracted and the flaps were extended at the time of the accident.
All three occupants escaped the aircraft with minor injuries.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the accident was caused by a hard landing during the flare/touchdown phase. The pilot misjudged the altitude and executed an improper flare. Contributing factors included the rainy weather condition and the glassy water surface.
A United Parcel Service Boeing 767-300F entered an active runway in Singapore while a New Zealand aircraft was taking off, resulting in no injuries or damage.
A Regional Express Saab 340 made an unexpected turn off its standard instrument departure track after the flight management system displayed invalid data,…
An investigation into a fuel management failure found that an incorrectly calibrated dipstick and the lack of cross-referencing with fuel indicators led to…
A twin-engine airplane crashed into a field during final approach to Fulton Airport, Kentucky, resulting in serious injuries for two of the four occupants.
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III·National Airplane Sales & Leasing Corporation·2026-08-21B3A
A private pilot was killed when a Jodel DR1050 Ambassadeur crashed after losing control during a go-around following an engine failure near Châteauroux –…
A Robin DR400 crashed into a vineyard near Béziers on July 9, 2025, after the pilot lost engine power during a circuit. The BEA determined the cause was likely…