Probable cause
The controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), resulting from the pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and 2 passengers were returning from a fishing trip in the float equipped airplane. The flight path was over water. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed along the flight path and accident area. Both passengers reported that the airplane was flying low over the water beneath the clouds when it impacted the water. Only portions of the airplane wreckage were recovered, and the engine was not found. The available wreckage was examined, and no anomalies were found other than severe water impact damage. It is likely that the non-instrument rated pilot did not have a visible horizon, lost track of his altitude and descended below the clouds when the airplane impacted the water.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19FA271 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hopedale, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna U206
- N-number
- N5364Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.