Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare while landing on water with glassy water conditions, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after observing what he thought were ripples on the water, the airplane touched down sooner than he had expected. Subsequently, the left float skipped on the water, the right float's toe contacted the water, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA475 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willow, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N5236D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- 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.