Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote beach site, soft sand pulled the airplane to the left, so she aborted the takeoff and repositioned for a second attempt. During the second takeoff attempt, just prior to rotation, the airplane’s right wheel contacted the water, which pivoted the airplane to the right, and it nosed down into the shallow water. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA067 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 28, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chinitna Bay, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna U206F
- N-number
- N1733R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.