Probable cause
The pilot's loss of airplane control while taking off with gusting wind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was attempting a takeoff from a lake in choppy water and with gusting wind when the left wing of the airplane contacted the water after liftoff. The airplane then impacted in a nose-down attitude resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and separation of both floats. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were found with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA354 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brainerd, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Lake Alexandria
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 175
- N-number
- N7691M
- 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.