Cessna 206 N6251K accident near Halibut Cove, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during an attempted go-around.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was landing an amphibious airplane in the ocean waters of an inland cove. Photographs of the accident sequence showed the water conditions as relatively calm and glassy. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down faster than anticipated and before her intended touchdown point, which subsequently caused the airplane to bounce back into the air. Instead of continuing the landing, she attempted a go-around. As the airplane climbed in a nose-high attitude, she was unable to see over the nose of the airplane and collided with a stand of tall spruce trees. Witnesses stated that after impact, the airplane descended into the water, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC16LA038 for the full record.