Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing after encountering a boat wake, which resulted in the airplane veering left, impacting the water's surface, and subsequently becoming submerged.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a float-equipped airplane reported that immediately after touch down, the float plane encountered a boat wake, veered sharply to the left, water-looped, and became submerged inverted.
The float plane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wake that his float plane encountered which precipitated the water-loop may have been generated by a boat that is used by a local ski school.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA370 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Durham, New Hampshire
- Nearest airport
- Merrymeeting Lake (NH68)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N767MH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.