Cessna A185F N3308S accident near Trapper Creek, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper flare while landing on glassy water, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, as he approached his intended landing site in a float-equipped airplane, there were overcast sky conditions, light rain, and a glassy water surface on the remote lake. While on approach to the lake he lost depth perception and landed hard on the water which resulted in damage to the float riggings. He performed a go-around and on the second attempt to land the float rigging failed and the airplane came to rest inverted in the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA057 for the full record.