Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was retracted for the water landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was planning on performing a landing on a runway and extended the landing gear. During the approach, he elected to perform a water landing instead, due to the 90 degree crosswind. While performing the water landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted in the water. The pilot reported that he did not complete a second checklist prior to landing and did not ensure that the landing gear was retracted. The lower cowling was crushed aft and wrinkled, the left wing leading edge was crushed aft, and the left wing was bent down. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA216 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Belle Chase, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Southern Seaplane Airport (65LA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N434JG
- 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.