What happened
On July 4, 2015, a Cessna 185C seaplane, registration OH-EHD, operated by Airline Management Technologies (ALMT) Oy, was attempting a takeoff from the Kuopio harbor area in Finland. The flight was intended to be a sightseeing excursion for four passengers, including two children.
The pilot initiated the takeoff run along a chosen path, attempting to account for existing water traffic. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered heavy cross-waves that the pilot had not visually identified prior to impact. Combined with gusty side winds, these waves caused the aircraft to tilt sharply to the right, lifting the left float out of the water and momentarily lifting the entire aircraft off the surface.
Following this impact, the pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft but decided to abort the takeoff. As the engine power was reduced to idle, the aircraft's control effectiveness decreased. The combination of centrifugal force and wind caused the nose to swing left and the aircraft to tilt right again. The right float and wing struck the water forcefully, abruptly stopping the aircraft. The impact was severe enough that the nose and propeller submerged, with water reaching the windshield. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passengers.
The investigation
The investigation by the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (OTKES) focused on the aircraft's operational organization and regulatory oversight. Investigators examined the aircraft's damage, which included a broken main spar on the right wing and significant engine damage. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training, the airline's operations manual, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unobserved cross-waves and gusty winds that destabilized the aircraft during the takeoff roll.
- The airline's operations manual lacked sufficient detail regarding the specific requirements and risks associated with seaplane operations.
- The organization lacked a systematic method for collecting and analyzing safety reports, meaning previous safety deviations had not been effectively communicated to the pilot.
- There were deficiencies in the airline's management system and pilot training protocols.
- The pilot's formal qualifications for commercial seaplane operations were insufficient to ensure practical safety in such specific environmental conditions.