Probable cause
The failure of the left float bottom due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of control during the water landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, and corroborated by video capturing the accident, during a normal touchdown in a float-equipped airplane, the left float dug into the water and the airplane veered abruptly and nosed over.
A postaccident examination revealed a large hole in the bottom of the left float just forward of the step. Corrosion was present around the hole and no impact signatures were present on the bottom of the float. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of control during the water landing due to the failure of the left float due to corrosion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20LA065 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Lake Hood (LHD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9185T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.