Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, while landing during dark night conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing a float-equipped airplane, during dark night conditions, in a 100 foot wide water lane that was adjacent to a lighted runway. The pilot said that as he approached his destination, he activated the lights on the adjacent runway to gain reference of the water's surface. On touchdown, the airplane bounced and became airborne. He recovered from the bounce, and added engine power to cushion the landing, but the airplane veered to the left, and the floats collided with the shoreline. The airplane continued onshore and it subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 13, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nenana, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Nenana (PANN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Cessna 180H
- N-number
- N2419F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.