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NTSB Report

July 17, 2005 · Cessna 180 · N4652B

Bowstring, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bowstring, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N4652B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA195

The fixed-float equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during an aborted takeoff in rough water. The pilot reported that by the time he arrived the lake was "rough" and the tie downs were not holding. He stated that during the takeoff run he decided that it was "too rough to continue." He reported that he "let up" on the throttle and was slowing down, when the left float "caught a wave" and the airplane nosed over. Wind conditions recorded by the Bigfork Municipal Airport (FOZ) Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), located 18 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, at 1335, were from 170 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot reported winds from 140 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unsuitable water conditions for takeoff selected by the pilot and his inability to maintain aircraft control in the rough water. Contributing factors were the aborted takeoff initiated by the pilot, the rough water conditions and the high, gusty winds.

Full Narrative

On July 17, 2005, about 1345 central daylight time, a fixed-float equipped Cessna 180, N4652B, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff when it encountered rough water and nosed over on Bowstring Lake, Minnesota. The local flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported no injuries. The pilot reported that high winds were forecast and he planned to relocate his float plane to Turtle Lake for security. He stated that by the time he arrived Bowstring Lake was "rough" and the tie downs were not holding. The pilot stated that during the takeoff run he decided that it was "too rough to continue." He reported that he "let up" on the throttle and was slowing down when the left float "caught a wave" and the airplane nosed over. Wind conditions recorded by the Bigfork Municipal Airport (FOZ) Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), located 18 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, at 1335, were from 170 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot reported winds from 140 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 CDT
Nearest AirportBowstring Lake (2nm)
Runway14
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN4652B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R46B · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 19 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data