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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

July 25, 1997 · Cessna 185 · N8717Z

Norway, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Norway, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N8717Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA153

The pilot was conducting floatplane operations on a lake. When he found himself fast and high on approach to a small area on the lake, he configured the airplane with 40 degrees of flaps. The airplane touched down flat and hard, and was headed for an obstruction in the water. The pilot's focus was on the obstruction in the water and he did not apply enough back pressure to the yoke. When the pilot added right rudder to avoid the obstruction, the airplane's left float submerged and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle.

Full Narrative

On July 25, 1997, about 1140 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 185, a floatplane, N8717Z, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing at Norway Lake, Norway, Maine. The certificated student pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the instructional flight that departed the Naples Seaplane Base, Naples, Maine, at 1120. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he flew directly to Norway and performed a touch and go on the "big side" of the lake. He added that the winds were variable at 3 knots and the maneuver was "routine". After completing the maneuver, the pilot flew to the "small side" of the lake where he planned to perform another touch and go. He further stated, "I had previously landed here very easily which must have made me over confident." The pilot added that on final, he was fast and high, so he configured the airplane with 40 degrees of flaps. He also stated that he didn't execute a go-around because of high terrain, and the fact that the airplane was configured with full flaps. According to the pilot, the airplane touched down flat, but hard, and was headed for an obstruction in the water. The pilot noted that his focus was on the obstruction, and that he did not apply enough back pressure to the yoke. When the pilot added right rudder to avoid the obstruction, the airplane's left float submerged and the left wing impacted the water. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN8717Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data