Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain takeoff heading due to sun glare, which resulted in his inability to see an island adjacent to the water lane and subequent impact with the island.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot was taking off from a seaplane base. Once the airplane was on step during the takeoff run to the west, the sun was in the pilot’s line of sight and he was unable to distinguish the lake’s southern water channel or see a small island in the water lane because the glare was too bright. Subsequently, the airplane struck the southeastern side of the island, nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19TA044 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Lake Hood (LHD)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N91402
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.