Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and his delayed decision to go-around, which resulted in impact with rocks on a shoreline.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on a lake, he was concerned he would not have enough landing distance, and he chose to conduct a go-around, during which the airplane's floats impacted the rocks on the shoreline, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot added that, "I should not have added power" during the flare. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. 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 GAA19CA321 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moses Lake, Washington
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N7529K
- 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.