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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

September 2, 2018 · Cessna 180 H · N95EA

Yakutat, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Yakutat, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 180 H (1969)
Tail Number
N95EA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA572

The pilot reported that, while on step during takeoff from an ocean bay and as she turned the float-equipped airplane into the wind, the left wing and float raised. The right wing impacted the water, and the airplane pivoted about 90° clockwise before coming to rest partially submerged on its left side. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A video of the takeoff taken from the shore showed the airplane making a sweeping left turn on the step. Wind indications in the video showed the wind coming from the airplane's left. The left turn tightens as the airplane turns into the wind, the left wing and float lift, and the right wing then strikes the water. The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 330° at 8 knots. The pilot was departing to the northwest. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was light and variable at 0 to 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while on step, during takeoff from an ocean bay, as she turned the float-equipped airplane into the wind, the left wing and float raised. The right wing impacted the water and the airplane pivoted about 90° clockwise before coming to rest partially submerged on its left side. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that, it was suggested that the airplane may have encountered a whale, but she did not feel any impact or bump during the takeoff. The NTSB was provided a video of the takeoff taken from the shore. In the video the airplane is seen making a sweeping left turn on the step, moving away from the camera. Wind indications in the video show the wind coming from the airplane's left. The left turn appears to tighten as the airplane comes into the wind, the left wing and float appear to lift, and the right wing strikes the water ending the takeoff run. The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 330° at 8 knots. The pilot was departing to the northwest. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was light and variable at 0 to 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportYAKUTAT (1nm SSE)
RunwayNW
Runway Length7500 ft
Runway Width2000 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180 H
Tail NumberN95EA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data