N61323

On August 24, 2024, at about 1010 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N61323, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Kent, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to multiple witnesses, the amphibious float equipped airplane was seen approaching the lake from the northwest to land on the lake on a southeasterly heading. They reported that the approach appeared normal, however, the landing gear could be seen in the extended position. As the floats were about to touch down on the surface of the water, the airplane abruptly nosed over, and came to rest inverted, partially submerged within the lake.

Preliminary ADS-B data showed the airplane departed from Norman-Grier Field (S36), Kent, Washington about 1005 and flew northwest toward Meridian Lake. The data depicted the airplane approached the lake from the north-northwest. The last recorded ADS-B data point was over the northwestern area of the lake about 5 minutes after the time of takeoff.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear was in the extended position. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.