Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to recognize the magnitude of the swell size during landing, which resulted in a tail-low hard water landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water landing, he "misread the size of the swell." He added that, immediately after touchdown. the airplane jumped a swell, which resulted in a tail-low hard landing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elfin Cove, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Elfin Cove (ELV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 208
- N-number
- N1265U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.