Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged altitude and distance, which resulted in the airplane's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and a landing overrun. Contributing to the accident were trees and the short runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that upon arriving at his intended destination he noted that the winds were light and variable but appeared to favor landing toward the lake on runway 16. Trees were located near the approach end of the 1,765-foot-long turf runway, and the pilot stated that he landed "longer than usual." Despite application of brakes, the pilot stated that he was unable to stop before reaching the end of the runway. The airplane went down an embankment and into the lake that is adjacent to the runway's departure end. The airplane came to rest partially submerged. When the airplane was subsequently extracted from the water the firewall was found bent. The pilot made no allegation of having experienced any mechanical malfunction with his airplane during the accident flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA225 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Metaline Falls, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Sullivan Lake State Airport (09S)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182J
- N-number
- N300DF
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.