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August 22, 2019 · Cessna A185 F · N1920Q

Rangeley Lake, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 2019
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Rangeley Lake, ME
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1977)
Tail Number
N1920Q
Operator
Acadian Aircraft Leasing
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA513

The pilot reported that, while departing from a lake, the float-equipped airplane was not "gaining airspeed as usual" and that the takeoff run was taking "longer." Before attempting to abort the takeoff, the left float lifted off the water, followed by the right float. While in ground effect, the floatplane started to roll right. The pilot corrected with full left aileron, but the floatplane continued to roll right. He then reduced power and applied 40º of flaps, but the floatplane continued to roll right, so he increased the throttle to full, and the right wing impacted the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that the floatplane impacted rocks while he was back taxiing to the dock after a previous flight but that he did not realize the floats had been damaged. Before the accident flight, he conducted a preflight inspection and did not find any residual water in the floats, but he did not examine the bottom of the floats because they were submerged in water. Photographs showed that the right float's keel was damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the floats, which led to his subsequent attempt to depart from a lake with damaged floats and led to a loss of roll control and the right wing impacting the water.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the amphibious-float equipped airplane reported that, while departing from a lake, the floatplane was not "gaining airspeed as usual" and that the takeoff run was taking "longer." Prior to aborting the takeoff, the left float lifted off the water, followed shortly by the right float. While in ground effect, the floatplane started to roll to the right. He corrected with full left aileron, but the floatplane continued to roll to the right. He then reduced power and applied 40º of flaps and still the floatplane rolled right so he increased the throttle to full and the right wing impacted the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Two witnesses reported that, about one hour prior to the accident flight, the same floatplane controlled by the same pilot, water taxied over rocks near the floatplane deck. The pilot added that the lake was 2 to 3 feet lower than normal and while water taxiing back to the floatplane deck, he saw the rocks but did not realize it caused any damage to the floats. After the flight, he did not find any residual water in the floats but did not examine the rest of the floats because it was under water.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:39 EDT
Nearest AirportRangeley Lake (0nm N)
Runway24W
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width1000 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN1920Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAcadian Aircraft Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO–520–D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time19:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data