N8092B

On June 6, 1998, about 1215 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N8092B, sustained substantial damage after colliding with ocean surf, about 25 miles south of Naknek, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The pilot/airplane owner and three passengers aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Naknek Airport, about 1200.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on June 7, the pilot reported that he was landing to the south on a remote beach adjacent to Bristol Bay. The pilot stated that as the airplane touched down, it veered to the right. He said he attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and full left aileron. The airplane became airborne, veered to the right over the tidal surf, and collided with a large wave. The airplane sank, and the four occupants swam about 50 yards to shore.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He wrote in his written statement that wind conditions at the time of the accident were about 090 degrees at 15 knots, with peak gusts to 20 knots.