Cessna U206G N756SG accident near Millinocket, Maine

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate for a glassy water landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

During an air taxi flight, the pilot executed a glassy-water landing on a remote lake with an excessive descent rate which resulted in a hard landing and go-around. The pilot later successfully landed the airplane without further incident. The hard landing resulted in the front seat passenger sustaining a broken rib. All three persons aboard were seated and wearing lap belts without shoulder harasses. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The front-seat passenger stated the sun’s position in the sky – combined with the glassy water surface conditions - produced significant sun glare, especially on the pilot’s side of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA402 for the full record.