Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusty winds.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, prior to touchdown on runway 30 (4,080 feet long by 75 feet wide), the amphibious airplane experienced a gust of wind from the right. The airplane touched down "very hard" on its left side and the left outside wheel of the main landing gear separated. The airplane came to rest on the edge of runway 30. The pilot reported that the winds were "variable and very gusty between ground level and 3,000 feet [above ground level]." Examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was wrinkled on both sides.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA321 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brainerd, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Brainerd Lakes Regional Airpor (BRD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna U206C
- N-number
- N3970G
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.