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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 19, 1994 · Cessna 185F · N9618H

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185F
Tail Number
N9618H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95LA011

THE PILOT WAS LANDING ON A FROZEN LAKE TO EXCHANGE THE MAIN LANDING GEAR WHEELS FOR SKI EQUIPMENT. THE INTENDED AIRPORT, A SEAPLANE BASE, HAD BEEN CLOSED DUE TO SLUSH AND SOFT ICE CONDITIONS. A NOTAM HAD BEEN ISSUED AND THE PILOT WAS ADVISED OF THE NOTAM PRIOR TO LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED SOFT ICE/SNOW AND NOSED OVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF A NOTAM THAT CLOSED THE RUNWAY AND A SLUSH COVERED RUNWAY AREA WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

On November 19, 1994, at 1519 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna Model 185F airplane, N9618H, registered to the pilot-in-command, nosed over during a landing attempt on the frozen over Lake Hood Seaplane base, Anchorage, Alaska. The private certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight last departed the Merrill Field Airport in North Anchorage, Alaska and the destination was Lake Hood. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and there was no flight plan on file for the flight. The pilot was planning to land on the ice covered lake to exchange his landing gear wheels for ski equipment. While inbound to Lake Hood, the pilot was advised by Anchorage Air Traffic Control Tower personnel that a NOTAM was in effect for Lake Hood and the airport was closed. The pilot continued with the approach/landing. The plane touched down in soft slushy ice/snow and nosed over. The airport/facility directory indicates that overflows onto the ice may occur during the winter months.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:19 AKST
Nearest AirportLake Hood Seaplane (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185F
Tail NumberN9618H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D24 · Reciprocating · 285
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 19 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data