Probable cause
The airplane’s encounter with boat wake and multiple swells during a water takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a water takeoff and about 50 knots, the airplane encountered boat wake, which caused the airplane to become airborne prematurely. He added that the airplane landed on a swell and became airborne again. During the second touchdown, the airplane struck another swell and touched down hard. The pilot aborted the takeoff.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The director of operations for the company 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 GAA17CA574 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 21, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New York, New York
- Nearest airport
- New York Skyports Inc (6N7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 208
- N-number
- N802TW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.