Accident Details
Date
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA332
Location
Elfin Cove, AK
Event ID
20170612X33614
Coordinates
58.195278, -136.348327
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
8
Total Aboard
8
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to recognize the magnitude of the swell size during landing, which resulted in a tail-low hard water landing.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N1265U
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
20800375
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
COASTAL AIR SERVICES INC
Address
TRUMBULL AIRPORT
Status
Deregistered
City
GROTON
State / Zip Code
CT 06340
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water landing, he "misread the size of the swell". He added that, immediately after touchdown the airplane jumped a swell, which resulted in a tail low hard landing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA332