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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

May 22, 1989 · Cessna 180J · N9949N

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 180J
Tail Number
N9949N
Operator
Colson Kevin A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89FA075

THE AIRLINE TRANSPORT CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM A 3,500' LAKE AT GROSS WEIGHT IN A FLOAT EQUIPPED CESSNA 180 AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO BECOME AIRBORNE ON THE FIRST TAKE OFF ATTEMPT. HIS SECOND ATTEMPT WAS SUCCESSFUL, BUT HE BECAME AIRBORNE LATE IN THE TAKE OFF RUN AND COLLIDED WITH TREES ON THE SHORE LINE, NARROWLY MISSING TWO HOUSES. THE PILOT WAS NOT RATED FOR, AND HAD TAKEN NO FORMAL INSTRUCTION IN, SEAPLANE OPERATIONS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. A LOCAL PILOT/WITNESS SAID THAT HE WATCHED THE TAKE OFF AND SAW WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS OBVIOUSLY POOR TECHNIQUE.

NTSB Probable Cause

PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S POOR JUDGEMENT, AND HIS LACK OF INITIAL TRAINING (NONE) IN SEAPLANE OPERATIONS.

Full Narrative

THE AIRLINE TRANSPORT CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM A 3,500' LAKE AT GROSS WEIGHT IN A FLOAT EQUIPPED CESSNA 180 AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO BECOME AIRBORNE ON THE FIRST TAKE OFF ATTEMPT. HIS SECOND ATTEMPT WAS SUCCESSFUL, BUT HE BECAME AIRBORNE LATE IN THE TAKE OFF RUN AND COLLIDED WITH TREES ON THE SHORE LINE, NARROWLY MISSING TWO HOUSES. THE PILOT WAS NOT RATED FOR, AND HAD TAKEN NO FORMAL INSTRUCTION IN, SEAPLANE OPERATIONS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. A LOCAL PILOT/WITNESS SAID THAT HE WATCHED THE TAKE OFF AND SAW WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS OBVIOUSLY POOR TECHNIQUE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:53 AKDT
Nearest AirportSANDLAKE (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180J
Tail NumberN9949N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorColson Kevin A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 9 kt
Visibility90 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data