Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the gusting wind during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with water.
NTSB analysis
While on departure from a seaplane base, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The right wing lifted and the pilot could not maintain control. The airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage upon impact with the water. A weather report indicated that, about 10 minutes prior to the accident, wind conditions were at 24 knots, gusting to 38 knots, and peaking at 43 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Lake Hood Seaplane Base (LHD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180C
- N-number
- N180BS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.