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NTSB Report
July 6, 2009 · Cessna A185F · N4448R
Skwentna, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Skwentna, AK
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N4448R
Operator
Frank R Bell
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC09CA067
The private pilot had a hard landing during a personal flight in a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot stated, in part: “With the glassy water and the smoke haze I lost my depth perception and hit the water hard.” A postflight examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot wrote in his report that the accident could have been prevented by using the shoreline to determine altitude during landing. He noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to recognize his proximity to the glassy water landing surface while flying in smoke haze, and his failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach.
Full Narrative
The private pilot had a hard landing during a personal flight in a float-equipped airplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot stated, in part: “With the glassy water and the smoke haze I lost my depth perception and hit the water hard.” A postflight examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot wrote in his report that the accident could have been prevented by using the shoreline to determine altitude during landing. He noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN4448R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrank R Bell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.50 inHg
Weather SourcePILO