Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent extension of the landing gear and his subsequent water landing with the wheels extended.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting a local flight to gain familiarity with the amphibious airplane's recently installed avionics. During a runway change at his home (land) airport, the pilot elected to conduct a water landing to a lake about 12 miles north, during which he inadvertently extended the landing gear on approach and landed on the water with the wheels extended. The airplane immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted in the water, substantially damaging both wings.
The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA164 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anoka, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N1669M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- 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.